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Dom Roman – @DomRoman
Dom discusses new Gull Will Goodwin
Another incoming this week as Gary Johnson pulled out a classic pre-game transfer, with the arrival of Will Goodwin on loan! He’s already made his debut, but let’s the discuss the Stoke youngster more shall we…
CAREER SUMMARY
Born in 2002 (good grief!), Will Goodwin first showed his potential in Chester’s youth system and his ability attracted attention from Stoke City and Academy Director/Ex-Gull (briefly in 2004) Gareth Owen! On signing the young striker for Stoke, Owen said “He’s taller than me, he’s lean, athletic, aggressive and he can finish. We’ve tracked him for a while and with Connor Taylor going on loan we were able to watch him more and do our background. Physically he looks the part and we’re excited to bring him in”. After some games for the U23s, Goodwin landed on loan with the Monkey Hangers of Hartlepool last summer, making 10 League 2 appearances and scoring on his debut (see supporter notes below), before returning to Stoke and featuring in the U23s again. Due to his youthfulness there’s not much else to report on Will, but there is an interesting side-note that as a massive supporter of ‘the Potters’ he was a mascot for City in the 2011 FA Cup final, walking out with Jermaine Pennant.
STATS
POSITION – Striker
DATE OF BIRTH – 07/05/2002
HEIGHT – 1.85m
BIRTHPLACE – Tarporley
PREVIOUS CLUBS – Chester, Hartlepool, Stoke
STATS 21-22 – League 2: Played 10, Goals Scored 1, Yellow/Red Cards 1/0
GOODWIN CHAT
Hartlepool supporter John Jewson on Will: “Will Goodwin was brought to Pools by former boss Dave Challinor at the start of the 21/22 season on loan from Stoke City. Will started brightly and indeed scored on his debut away at Barrow, looking a promising addition to the squad. As the weeks went on however, Goodwin’s bright start faded somewhat. As did his opportunities in the first team. Although he did net away in a memorable 0-3 win at Sheffield Wednesday in the PJ Trophy, he was seen by many Pools fans as somewhat of a favourite of Dave Challinor. Our former manager certainly liked a player who gave it his all on the pitch and in Will Goodwin you will certainly get that . Once Challinor left Pools for Stockport it was always felt Goodwin’s days were going to be numbered at Hartlepool, and so it proved. He’s hard working, runs the channels well and 100% committed. Keeping confidence high, like with every striker, will be the key. Good luck to him and Torquay for the upcoming season”.
MOST/LEAST LIKELY TO
Most Likely To:
- Be shoved on in the last 20 minutes and asked to make something happen against tired centre-halves.
- Check the Stoke City score straight after the game.
Least Likely To:
- Take this chance for granted, a young striker with something to prove.
- Tell Torquay fans that life was better up at Hartlepool.
CONCLUSION
Young strikers get loaned down to Plainmoor from the EFL practically every season, some have prospered, some have found the transition from U23 football very difficult indeed. The very early indications are positive, Goodwin did well on his PSF debut on Tuesday night, getting involved with the enthusiasm and gusto that we’re all hoping to see. We needed another attacker and we’ve got one, so Gary Johnson will be pleased! As we all know, the lack of depth around the squad last year was pulpable, so the more forward options the better and fingers crossed Will can make an impact once the season starts. From what I can tell he’ll give it his best shot. Dom
TORQUAYTALK 
Thanks Dom for a positive report on Will Goodwin in stark contrast to the negative comments posted on Torquay Fans .com about other players etc.
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