MAY 24, 1903: A representative of the "Observer" who had a hasty interview with John Goodall, engaged as player-manager for the Watford Football Club, writes: "I found Goodall being entertained, while he is making arrangements for taking up permanent residence in the town, at the house of Mr Quantrell, a member of the Committee.

Born in London in 1863, John is 5ft 9in in height, and turns the scale at 11st 12lb. When a child he removed with his parents to Kilmarnock, where he learnt the association game, his first love being the Kilmarnock Burns. You smell the heather at once.

He joined Preston North End, with whom he did duty when they secured their never-to-be-forgotten records. It was while here in 1888 that he was first given international honours, being chosen to represent England against Wales.

In all, Goodall has been capped six times versus Scotland, seven times against Ireland, and twice against Wales. He saw his last international in 1898, having, during his glorious career, appeared in positions of inside right, centre forward, and inside left.

Goodall left Preston North End for Derby County in 1889. Here he was retained for about ten seasons. Season 1900-1 saw the old international with New Brighton Tower, and his last two seasons with Glossop is comparatively recent history.

Asked as to the prospects in Watford, the new manager saw no reason why Watford, with its good central position and great railway facilities, should not be able to turn out a team to occupy a respectable position on the Southern League ladder.

The moment we got away from the subject of Watford you could hear the rumbling of curling stones, the swish of cricket balls, the rippling of waters "willow-wooed," and the swipes of drivers in the royal and ancient game of "gowf."

Of Goodall's fishing one need say no more than that he is an angler.

But John's achievements in the roaring game cannot be passed over. While at Preston he was the champion curler, and once when playing against the best of Scotia's curlers in the championship of Great Britain at Southport, he ran out second.

With reference to the game of golf, Goodall knows all about long drives and good approaches, bunkers, and other hazards; the secret of keeping your eye on the ball is his, and the language thereof! Pigeon shooting also claimed his attention.

The gentler game of bowling has attracted him of a summer's evening and he can put a bowl to lie dead on the jack when required. In the cricket field he has kept wicket for Derby County against Yorkshire and Warwickshire.

In the new manager, Watford have a man who can be relied upon at all times to give a good account of himself in any position, particularly in the van.

March 26, 2002 18:30