Don Goodman has his say on West Brom fans who still haven’t forgiven Wolves transfer
Don Goodman has no regrets over his decision to join Wolves in his playing career despite having previously represented fierce rivals West Brom.
Speaking exclusively to West Brom News, Goodman opened up on the vitriol still felt by some Albion fans three decades on.
Goodman scored 60 goals in 158 league appearances across four years with the Baggies, before a three-year stint with Sunderland.
The forward then made the controversial switch to Albion’s rivals Wolves in 1994 and spent four years at Molineux.
Many West Brom fans refuse to forgive Goodman, despite the now-pundit regularly speaking highly of the club.
Asked about his decision to join Wolves and the criticism still often aimed his way, Goodman said: “It’s the nature of the beast in trying to do what’s best for you and your football career, rather than what – with respect – tens of thousands of people who don’t know you, and don’t know your personal circumstances, think.
“Ultimately, footballers are selfish. If you’re not selfish as a footballer than you’re probably in the wrong business, to be honest with you. You need to be selfish in terms of your dedication and time. You spend time away from your family, time training, preparing yourself in terms of what you eat and do.
“With that in mind, in order to be the best version of yourself you need to be selfish – it’s no different to a plumber getting an opportunity to go to another company that will look after him better and pay him more at a higher level. It’s as as simple as that and is not something that bothers me.
“I think the older generation of West Bromwich Albion supporter who saw me break bones and carry on playing, who saw me spill blood, truly deep down they may not like it but I don’t think they’ve got a problem about it. I left West Brom for Sunderland in order to further my career, and then left Sunderland for Wolves to again further my career – it’s as simple as that.
“At the end of the day, you couldn’t really factor in that, because you played for a rival, you couldn’t join another team. Some rivalries are more heated than others, and I suspect going straight from one to another is a no-no. But going away for three years before going to another, especially when in different leagues, most West Brom fans are absolutely fine with it.”
West Brom fans unwilling to forgive
Footballers only have short careers relatively speaking – 19 years in the case of Goodman – and the decisions they make must therefore be respected.
While it can be tough to accept a player switching allegiance, so to speak, it is part and parcel of football and happens regularly.
You would think the fact Goodman had a fairly lengthy spell at Sunderland in between would soften the blow, but not so in the view of many.
It is clear that some will never forgive Goodman, but that is something he has long accepted.
In other West Brom news, Jed Wallace has sent a new message to fans following the play-off defeat to Southampton
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