James Arthur George Gooch
Goalkeeper (1956-1957)
Formerly a London bobby during the Second World War, Jimmy Gooch became a Preston North End professional for eleven years, keeping goal in 157 peacetime Football League games in the top two divisions. At Watford he waited nearly two seasons for a League outing, at first being unable to dislodge Ted Bennett and then, when Bennett was injured, finding Tommy King the next choice. But Gooch outlasted King and his patience was eventually rewarded. He left the game for a while after retiring, but then spent a short time as coach of Sandown of the Hampshire League, and later returned to Deepdale and gave long service as a member of the club’s administrative staff.
West Herts / Watford Career
Football League Career
| Season | Club | Apps | Subs | Goals | League Status and Final Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1946/1947 | Preston North End | 1 | Football League Division 1 - 7th of 22 | ||
| 1947/1948 | Preston North End | 34 | Football League Division 1 - 7th of 22 | ||
| 1948/1949 | Preston North End | 16 | Football League Division 1 - 21st of 22 (Relegated) | ||
| 1949/1950 | Preston North End | 23 | Football League Division 2 - 6th of 22 | ||
| 1950/1951 | Preston North End | 27 | Football League Division 2 - 1st of 22 (Promoted) | ||
| 1951/1952 | Preston North End | 34 | Football League Division 1 - 7th of 22 | ||
| 1953/1954 | Bradford City | 22 | Football League Division 3 (North) - 5th of 24 | ||
| 1955/1956 | WATFORD | 14 | Football League Division 3 (South) - 21st of 24 | ||
| 1956/1957 | WATFORD | 29 | Football League Division 3 (South) - 11th of 24 |