Tony Godden. 2nd August 1955 – 30th March 2026

News has reached Kenilworth Road of the death of Tony Godden, the goalkeeper who was in the Hatters side which secured safety at Manchester City in that never to be forgotten game in 1983.

Gillingham-born Tony was snapped up by West Brom from Ashford Town in 1975 and, after breaking into the first team, 18 months later the safe and agile goalkeeper went on to smash the Baggies’ record with 226 consecutive appearances.

After eventually losing his place at the Hawthorns, he accepted a loan move to Luton in March 1983 to replace Jake Findlay who had broken his thumb and remained ever present until the end of that campaign starring in the magical 1-0 win at Maine Road on the final day to ensure Division One survival.

Tony finished his league career at Peterborough at the age of 35 and after managing several non-League sides became goalkeeping coach at Rushden before joining the coaching staff at Brighton.

Our condolences go out to his family and friends.

Roger Wash