Shaun Goater
FOOTBALL
Achievements:
North Village Community Club: Mentored by Harold 'Doc' Dowling from age 8, ensuring academics were prioritized before football.
Columbia High School (1987): Moved to New Jersey at 17 to play football.
Manchester United Trial (1987): Impressed during their Bermuda tour, earning a 2-year contract.
Rotherham United (1989-1996): Scored 70 goals over 6 seasons, showing dedication and hard work.
Bristol City (1996-1998): Scored 40 league goals in 2 seasons, earning the nickname "The Goat."
Manchester City (1998-2003):
Top scorer in 1998-99 and 1999-2000 seasons with 21 and 29 goals respectively.
Helped City earn back-to-back promotions to the Premier League.
Scored 30 goals in the 2001-02 season, becoming the first City player to do so since 1972.
Notched his 100th goal for City with a brace against Manchester United.
Scored the fastest goal by a substitute in Premier League history (9 seconds).
Consistent Scoring (1994-2002): Averaged over 20 goals a season during this period.
Career Total: Scored over 250 goals in English football.
Biography:
Shaun Goater's journey from the neighborhoods of Court Street and Marsh Folly to football stardom is a testament to his dedication and talent. Growing up near the renowned Bascome brothers (Andrew, Herbie, and David) fostered his love for the game. His early football education began at the North Village Community Club under the guidance of Harold 'Doc' Dowling, who made sure that academics came before football.
At the age of 17, Goater moved to New Jersey to play for Columbia High School. During a Thanksgiving break visit back to Bermuda, a fortunate encounter with Manchester United, who were on tour, led to a trial and subsequently a 2-year contract with the club.
In 1989, Goater joined Rotherham United, a Third Division club, where he steadily improved, scoring 70 goals over six seasons. His move to Bristol City in 1996 marked a significant step up, with Goater netting 40 league goals in two seasons. His prolific scoring earned him the nickname "The Goat," with fans chanting "Feed The Goat and he will score."
Goater's tenure at Manchester City from 1998 to 2003 solidified his legendary status. He was the club's top scorer for two consecutive seasons, helping them secure back-to-back promotions to the Premier League. Despite a knee injury, he remained a key player, becoming the first City player to score 30 goals in a year since 1972. His brace against Manchester United, which included his 100th goal for City, and the fastest goal by a substitute in Premier League history, further cemented his cult hero status.
Over a remarkable nine-year stretch from 1994 through 2002, Goater consistently averaged more than 20 goals a season, showcasing his reliability and skill. In total, he scored over 250 goals during his career in England.
Legacy:
Shaun Goater's legacy extends beyond his impressive goal-scoring record. He is remembered for his dedication, hard work, and the joy he brought to fans. His journey from Bermuda to becoming a cult hero at Manchester City inspires aspiring footballers. Goater's impact on the pitch and his status as a role model ensure his place among Bermuda's sporting legends.