Arthur Goddard

Born in Heaton Norris, Stockport, Cheshire, Goddard began playing football at the age of 16 for local side Christ Church where he helped the club to two titles in the Stockport and District League and one Stockport Cup title. In 1897, he joined Stockport County, then known as Heaton Norris Rovers. He initially struggled to break into the first-team but helped the club's reserve side win two local cups. Towards the end of the 1897–98 season, he made his debut for the senior team against Wigan County where he scored his side's only goal. He remained largely with the reserve side until December 1898 when he was promoted to the first-team on a permanent basis. He gained significant attention from other club's after being described as "instrumental" in Stockport's 3–1 victory over Glossop North End in the semi-final of the Manchester Cup. He also played in the final of the competition as Stockport defeated Bury. His performances resulted in several approaches being made to sign him and Stockport eventually accepted a bid of £260 from Glossop North End, the highest fee ever paid for a Lancashire League player. He joined the club in their first season in the First Division and suffered relegation as the team finished in last place. He remained with Glossop until February 1902, being signed by Liverpool for £460 by manager Tom Watson. He made his Liverpool debut on 8 March 1902 in a First Division match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux which Wolves won 3–1. Goddard spent…

As a player:

Liverpool F.C. (1902–1914): 415 appearances, 80 goals - Football League Championship winner's medal (1906), Football League Second Division winners medal (1905)