West Brom Legend Tony Godden Remembered as Brilliant and Reliable Pro
Albion legends Ally Robertson and Tony Brown have shared heartfelt memories of Tony Godden, the former West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper who passed away on Sunday at the age of 70 after a period of illness. Godden, hailed from Gillingham in Kent, was celebrated for his exceptional shot-stopping abilities and unwavering consistency during his time with the club.
Ally Robertson, now 73, described Godden as the greatest saver the club has ever had. "We knew that if we were beaten on a header, he'd save it," Robertson told the Express & Star. "He was absolutely brilliant. How many saves would he have made down that Brummie Road end? He was absolutely brilliant." Godden played a crucial role behind the formidable defensive line of Batson, Wile, Robertson, and Statham during the late 1970s, a golden era for the Baggies.
A Record of Consistency and Agility
Tony Godden's reliability is underscored by his club-record 228 consecutive appearances between August 1977 and November 1981, a feat that remains unmatched. Standing at just under 6 feet, Godden compensated for his lack of height with outstanding agility and reflexes, making him a formidable presence between the posts.
He joined West Brom as an untested 21-year-old from non-league Ashford Town and quickly rose to the challenge of replacing John Osborne, widely regarded as the club's greatest goalkeeper. Robertson noted, "The two of them learned so much from each other. Ossie used to talk to him and he made him a better goalkeeper. Tony just kept on progressing."
Teammate Tributes and Lasting Legacy
Tony Brown, Albion's record appearance maker and goalscorer, fondly recalled Godden's professionalism and impact on the team. "I highly rated TG, as we called him. He'd come in every morning and once he was out on the training pitch, he was very enthusiastic about what he did. He was a real pro," Brown said. He emphasized Godden's importance to the squad's success, stating, "You have to have a good goalkeeper. You start with your keeper, and he’s the main man."
Godden's contributions helped West Brom compete at the top of the First Division and achieve notable runs to the FA Cup semi-final and UEFA Cup quarter-finals. Off the pitch, he lived in the Charlemont neighbourhood before moving to Walsall's Broadway area, where he was a neighbour of Robertson and Brown, forming close friendships with many teammates.
In honour of his memory, Albion players will wear black armbands during Friday's home match against Wrexham, preceded by a minute's applause. The football community continues to celebrate the life and career of a true professional who left an indelible mark on West Bromwich Albion.
