Arthur Goddard (footballer)

Arthur Milton Goddard (1876 – May 1956) was an English footballer who played for Liverpool in the early 20th century, helping them to win the 1906 Football League Championship.

Born in Heaton Norris, Stockport, Cheshire, Goddard played for Heaton Norris Albion, Stockport and Glossop North End before being signed by Liverpool for £460 by manager Tom Watson on 24 February 1902. He made his Liverpool debut on 8 March 1902 in a First Division match against Wolves at Molineux which Wolves won 3-1.

Goddard spent 12 years at Anfield notching 80 goals in his 415 appearances which included an amazing run of 23 consecutive FA Cup appearances. Goddard became a regular in the Reds side during his first 3 seasons, missing just 2 games. He was part of the Second Division championship winning side of 1905 which went on to claim the championship a year later where he was the only player not to miss a game. Goddard remained a consistent performer for Liverpool over the next 7 seasons, averaging 30 games per season. After starting the in 10 of the first 11 games of the 1913/14 season Goddard lost his place and only played for the Reds one more time before leaving for Cardiff in September 1914.

His smooth wing play earned him the nickname 'Graceful Arthur', his style of play also helped him to three Football League representative appearances although he wasn't selected to play at full international level by England.

Much loved by the Anfield faithful, Goddard was granted a testimonial which raised monumental sum of £250 enough for Goddard to set up a business on Merseyside after he retired from playing. On 29 May 1956 it was reported in the Liverpool Echo that Goddard had died after being in ill health for some time, although no exact date was given, and that his funeral would take place on 31 May at Anfield cemetery.

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)