Alan Goad - Testimonial Match vs Nottingham Forest

A Testimonial Match in football is a long-standing tradition. These benefit matches, reserved for players who have made a significant contribution to the club or have served with the club for 10+ years, were initially designed to help raise much-needed funds for players transitioning back to private life after retirement.

These non-competitive matches are well attended and serve as a thank you to the player and a chance for fans and the club to honor the player's contribution. Often, these matches are played against clubs with some relationship with the player being honored and may feature appearances from former teammates or celebrities.

With the high wages now paid to top-flight players, proceeds from testimonial matches are often donated to charity or the club's supporters' group. However, in the lower tiers of football, where wages remain low, the tradition of donating the match's proceeds to the honored player still holds.

At the end of 1977, Alan Goad, Hartlepool United's longest-serving player, was offered a testimonial match against Division 1 (Premier League) giants Nottingham Forest. This was an extraordinary event, as Forest was the Football League Champions at the time, on the verge of winning the League Cup and the European Cup. It would be like Liverpool, Arsenal, or Manchester United visiting Hartlepool now for a testimonial game.

We sat down with Alan, and he shared his thoughts about his testimonial match.

In Alan's Words:

"In 1977, after ten years and 400-plus games for Hartlepool, I was awarded a testimonial by the club. This was and still is a great honor for me. I was asked to arrange my own opponent for the match.

My first choice was local neighbors Newcastle United, a team I had supported as a child, but they quickly refused. This was a disappointment, so I set my sights on the other two northeast giants, Sunderland and Middlesbrough, who also declined. This left me wondering if anyone would ever come to play at Hartlepool.

My next option was Brian Clough and the new Division One Champions, Nottingham Forest. I had arrived at Hartlepool United on trial about two months after Clough and Taylor left, so I had never met him personally. Having heard of his reputation, I was apprehensive about making the phone call. To my surprise, he answered personally. He said, 'Son, I turn most of these requests down because these players are making good money, but you, playing in the lower divisions at a club like Hartlepool, showing loyalty to the club and the game even though the rewards are smaller, deserve to have a testimonial.'

He then said he would send the full first team and all he asked was that I supply them with a pre-match meal. This meant that the Division One League leaders, soon to become League and European Cup Champions, would play at Victoria Ground in November 1977. He didn't even charge me for the meal, which fit my budget perfectly (Zero Pounds).

It was great to meet up with John McGovern, with whom I played in 1967 before his move to Derby County, then managed by Clough. The only players missing were Peter Shilton and one other on England duty.

The night was a great success. I played myself up front, thinking I was a high-scoring center forward (dream on). Billy Ayre and Bob Newton scored for Pools, and Tony Woodcock and Kenny Burns scored for Forest. Every player on the Nottingham Forest team tried their hardest and were lucky to get out of Hartlepool with a draw. Getting old tends to play tricks on the memory.

The only downside was that it was one of the coldest nights in November, cutting attendance in half. My six-year-old son Paul, the mascot for the game, stood in his soccer gear with his little arms turning blue. I don't think he's forgiven me for that night.

I feel honored to have talked personally to Brian Clough and still wish I could have met him face to face. He had high principles, and the game is lesser without him. I still appreciate the chance Hartlepool gave me to achieve my goal of playing professional football. I believe it is a privilege and not a given right to be a professional player."

The following was written by Arthur Pickering, Sports Editor for the Hartlepool Mail, and appeared in Alan's Testimonial program in 1977:

"In his ten years at the Victoria Ground, Alan Goad has played in every position for the club's first team except goalkeeper. Nobody would begrudge him the opportunity to do so, for Alan has given 110 percent effort and dedication to the club in every game he has played. He came as a teenager from the Deep South and is now happily settled in his adopted home.

Alan admits he talked Gus McLean into signing him in 1967 after being released by Exeter City, but nobody at the club has ever regretted that decision. Alan deserves every success both on and off the field. I hope tonight is a huge success for him, and I wish him well in his Public House in Musgrave Street, The Square Ring.

In his ten years with the club, Alan has made 363 Football League appearances and a total of 36 in the F.A. and League Cup. That leaves him with 399 Senior appearances for the club. He has also been a substitute on many occasions, so he has appeared in more than 400 matches, though those substitute games do not count in his overall record.

At 29, Alan could perhaps have gone closer to the record, but he decided to concentrate more on his Public House. Manager Billy Horner knows that when he calls on Alan, he will always give every ounce of his effort to the club. Alan plays the game never afraid of injury or criticism, taking risks many less brave players wouldn't dream of contemplating. For this alone, the club and its supporters owe him a lot.

Alan has played under five managers: Gus McLean, John Simpson, Len Ashurst, Ken Hale, and now Horner. He has had his ups and downs with all of them but rates Billy Horner tops. Horner says, 'Alan is reliable and honest. The same applies to many people, but it does not always apply in football.' The club and the town should feel proud of him."

Nottingham Forest Squad:

1. Peter Shilton - 125 England Caps and over 1300 competitive matches
2. Viv Anderson - 30 England Caps and almost 600 appearances
3. Colin Barrett - Manchester City and Nottingham Forest Defender
4. Archie Gemmill - 43 International Caps with Scotland. Over 700 competitive games played
5. Larry Lloyd - 4 International Caps with England. Over 450 competitive matches
6. Kenny Burns - 20 Scotland Caps - Footballer of the Year in 1977/78
7. John McGovern - Over 500 competitive matches
8. Ian Bowyer - Over 600 competitive matches
9. Peter Withe - 11 International Caps with England. Over 540 competitive matches
10. Tony Woodcock - 42 International Caps with England. Over 550 competitive matches
11. John Robertson - 28 International Caps with Scotland. Almost 500 competitive matches
12. Martin O'Neill - 64 International Caps with Northern Ireland. Almost 500 competitive matches

Hartlepool United Squad:

1. Eddie Edgar
2. Graham Richardson
3. George Smith
4. Trevor Smith
5. Billy Ayre
6. Dave Wiggett
7. Derek Downing
8. Tommy Gibb
9. John Linacre
10. Terry Gaffney
11. Alan Goad
12. Bob Newton
13. Malcolm Poskett
14. Paul Biebly
15. Chris McNaster

Hartlepool United Updated All-Time Appearances:

1. Ritchie Humphreys - 511 appearances
2. Wattie Moore - 448 appearances
3. Ray Thompson - 423 appearances
4. Alan Goad - 418 appearances

Hartlepool United Previous Testimonials:

• 19/4/1922 George Gill Benefit Match vs Wilf Lows XI
• 12/10/1922 Fred Priest Benefit Match vs Sheffield United
• 21/4/1926 Cecil Hardy Benefit Match vs Stan Seymour's XI
• 28/4/1954 Newton-Thompson Benefit Match vs Newcastle United
• 21/9/1955 Willetts and Moore Joint Testimonial vs Newcastle
• 25/4/1956 McGuigan and Stampter Testimonial Match
• 1/4/1958 Kenny Johnson Testimonial Match vs Select XI
• 28/4/1959 George Luke Benefit Match vs Sunderland
• 05/05/1960 Wattie Moore Benefit Match vs Wattie Moore XI
• 30/4/1962 Ken Waugh Benefit Match vs All Stars XI
• 28/04/1964 Johnson-Burlison Benefit Match vs Sunderland
• 1/3/1967 Fogarty Testimonial Match vs Charley Hurley XI
• 03/11/1969 Mick Sommers Benefit Match vs Derby County
• 03/05/1970 John Gill Benefit Match vs All Stars XI
• 14/11/1977 Alan Goad Testimonial vs Nottingham Forest (2-2)
• 00/12/1984 Tommy Johnson Testimonial vs Sunderland
• 00/00/1995 Brian Honour Testimonial Match vs Newcastle
• 21/07/1997 Keith Houchen Testimonial Match vs Middlesbrough (1-1)
• 25/07/2006 Micky Barron Testimonial vs Leeds United (2-1)
• 02/08/2011 Ritchie Humphreys Testimonial vs Sunderland (1-3)

Hartlepool United Players of the Decade:

Alan was voted player of the year at Hartlepool in 1975 and missed the award by one vote in 1974, behind Malcolm Dawes. Alan was also voted in the Top 3 players for the 1970s. Recently, Alan was voted by the Northern Echo for consideration into the All-Time Greatest 11 Hartlepool United Players.

1950s:

• Kenny Johnson
• Wattie Moore
• Frank Stamper

1960s:

• Bryan Drysdale
• John McGovern
• Ernie Phythian

1970s:

• Billy Ayre
• Bill Green
• Alan Goad

1980s:

• Bob Newton
• Rob McKinnon
• Andy Linighan

1990s:

• Brian Honour
• Joe Allon
• Tommy Miller

2000s:

• Ritchie Humphreys
• Micky Barron
• Adam Boyd

Player of the Century:

• Ritchie Humphreys
• Wattie Moore
• Brian Honour

Thank you to Geoff Wilkinson for his contribution.

A Couple of Thoughts from Fans Who Attended the Game:

Hartlepool fan Mick Pearce remembers: "Kenny Burns told me, as a 12-year-old trying to get his autograph before the Alan Goad Testimonial Match, 'I'm sick of kids asking me for my autograph,' grabbed my pen, wrote KB on my pad, and then said, 'Now off' - obviously happy to be there that night. It scared me for life."

Alan's son, Paul, recalls: "I do recall how very cold it was that night and, for a friendly, the crowd was very loud and raucous. I remember heading out onto the pitch with my dad at the start of the game, shaking hands with the Forest players, and getting to flip the coin to start the game. It really was a memory of a lifetime and an evening I will never forget."

Alan Goad: Hartlepool United Legend

Alan Goad is a celebrated figure in the history of Hartlepool United, having made 418 appearances for the club. He ranks fourth all-time in appearances with the team. Known for his enduring legacy, Alan is the only player in the club's history to experience three different club name changes.

In the late 1970s, Alan was recognized as the Player of the Decade, reflecting his significant impact on the team during that era. His role as a dominant force in the back line of the team earned him a reputation for his defensive prowess and his ability to win battles in the air.

Beyond his football achievements, Alan Goad also made his mark in the music world. He was part of Hartlepool United's recording of their single, "Never Say Die." This venture showcased another side of his talents, with a signed copy of the single being a cherished memorabilia.

Alan Goad's legacy at Hartlepool United is remembered not just for his on-field contributions but also for his off-field endeavors, making him a multifaceted icon in the club's history.

 

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