Fans and football lovers are mourning as Tony Godden, hero goalkeeper of Hatters’ 1983 survival game, dies at age 70. Born on August 2, 1955, in Gillingham, Godden’s journey through English football left an indelible mark on the clubs he served and the fans who cheered him on.
Godden began his professional career when West Bromwich Albion signed him from Ashford Town in 1975. Known for his agility and composure under pressure, he broke into the first team within 18 months and went on to set a remarkable record of 226 consecutive appearances, a testament to his skill, endurance, and dedication to the sport.
In March 1983, Tony joined Luton Town on loan to replace the injured Jake Findlay. His arrival proved pivotal, as he played every match until the season’s end, culminating in the unforgettable 1-0 victory at Maine Road against Manchester City that secured Luton’s Division One survival. Fans remember that game as a defining moment, with Godden’s calm presence between the posts at its heart.
