Don Goodman arrived at Fir Park in March 1999 joining the club on loan from Sanfrecce Hiroshima, he had actually been on loan at Barnsley previously but when that spell came to an end manager Billy Davies persuaded him to head to Scotland. The Englishman joined Motherwell at a time when numerous big purchases and high wages were being paid. Goodman had a great pedigree having served Bradford City, West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland and Wolverhampton Wanderers where the goals flowed freely.
Don made his ‘Well debut in a 3-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice, however as time wore on and he found goals hard to come by he struggled to win over the supporters as it was clear he was on a high wedge and the club weren’t exactly getting a good return on their investment, his only goal came at the end of the season in a 2-1 victory over Dunfermline Athletic.
The forward had obviously impressed the management sufficiently as he was signed on permanently for the following season, thankfully his fortunes turned and goals started to flow a little more freely, he became a vital cog in the wheel as the side put in some great performances which included wins over both halves of the Old Firm as the side chased a European place. As his popularity rose he inherited a couple of nicknames such as ‘The Afro’ due to his hairstyle and ‘The Don’.
Goodman wouldn’t enjoy much of a fruitful goal return during the 2000/01 season but in March 2001 he was allowed to leave the club, the veteran subsequently joined English Second Division side Walsall. It was clear the club had some sort of financial predicament looming as many high earners left, John Spencer who was the record signing was just allowed to leave to head to America, Andy Goram departed for Manchester United and the trio of Ged Brannan, Lee McCulloch and Stephen McMillan were all sold to Wigan Athletic.
At Walsall, Goodman helped the side to promotion as they won the playoff final that season beating Reading 3-2 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Before retiring from playing, Don would serve Exeter City, Doncaster Rovers (loan) and Stafford Rangers. He has appeared frequently over the years on Sky Sports doing punditry work for the Championship.
Name:
|
Don Goodman |
Height:
|
5′ 11″ |
Weight:
|
12st 5lbs |
Date of Birth:
|
3rd May 1966 |
Place of Birth:
|
Leeds |
Position:
|
Forward |
Nationality:
|
English |
Football Career:
Bradford City | 1983 | 1987 |
West Bromwich Albion | 1987 | 1992 |
Sunderland | 1992 | 1995 |
Wolves | 1995 | 1998 |
Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 1998 | |
Barnsley (Loan) | 1998 | 1999 |
Motherwell (Loan) | 1999 | |
Motherwell | 1999 | 2001 |
Walsall | 2001 | 2002 |
Exeter City | 2002 | 2003 |
Doncaster Rovers (Loan) | 2003 |
Well Career:
Apps | Goals | |
League:
|
39 (16) | 9 |
Scottish Cup:
|
4 | 3 |
League Cup:
|
4 (1) | 0 |
Other:
|
0 | 0 |
Total:
|
47 (17) | 12 |