Born on this day in 1966 is former Sunderland striker turned commentator, Don Goodman.
Goodman had trials with Bradford City as a youngster, while also working as an electrician with Leeds City Council. He was offered an apprenticeship with the Bantams which he turned down, before eventually turning professional in the summer of 1984.
Clearly wanting a backup plan to football, he was allowed a day off every week so he could go to college. Bradford won the Division Four championship in Goodman’s debut season. He faced his own personal tragedy in the Valley Parade disaster in the same season though, as his girlfriend died while he was still on the pitch.
After making the move to West Brom, Goodman’s overall game developed hugely. He became a more defined player, still at a young age during his time at the Hawthorns. He scored an impressive 60 goals in four seasons with the Baggies.
Despite his good form, West Brom were relegated to the third tier for the first time in their history in 1991. Soon after, Denis Smith forked out a club record £900,000 to bring The Don to Roker Park. It was a move that was touted as a direct replacement for Marco Gabbiadini, who had joined Crystal Palace for £1.8 million.
He would be Smith’s final Sunderland signing, as he was sacked later that month. Goodman got off to a flying start though, scoring a hat-trick on just his seventh appearance for the Black Cats and leading the goalscoring list with 11 goals in 24 appearances.
Much to fans’ (and Don’s) dismay, he would be forced to watch the 1992 FA Cup Final from the sidelines. He was cup-tied after playing an earlier round for West Brom against Marlow.
While the 1992/93 season was largely a disappointment, Goodman’s 16 goals in 41 games were a major contribution, and probably the single-biggest reason we escaped relegation that year. His consistency, work ethic and of course goals meant he was a firm favourite at Roker Park, although the goals began to dry up towards the end of his Sunderland stint.
Sunderland would turn a small profit on Goodman, who joined Wolverhampton Wanderers for £1.1 million in a bid to achieve his dream of playing in the Premier League.
Towards the end of his career, Goodman played for several clubs, including a brief spell in Japan with Sanfrecce Hiroshima. He returned to the UK with Motherwell, before retiring after spells with Exeter and Doncaster.
