Albion mourn passing of Tony Godden

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Former goalkeeping coach dies aged 70.

Luke Nicoli

2026-03-31T11:55+01:00

Former goalkeeping coach Tony Godden, who has died at the age of 70.

Brighton & Hove Albion is saddened to learn of the passing of our former goalkeeping coach Tony Godden at the age of 70.

A top-flight goalkeeper with West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea, he joined the Seagulls in February 2009 following Paul Crichton’s move to Norwich City.

In his first season Tony was part of the management team which helped the Seagulls secure their League One status in the ‘Great Escape’ under Russell Slade.

He also became a key figure in Gus Poyet’s management set-up as Albion went on to be crowned League One champions in 2010/11.

Overseeing the progress of Casper Ankergren and Peter Brezovan, Godden remained in his post for the first season at the American Express Stadium before his departure in the summer of 2012.

As a goalkeeper, Gillingham-born Godden moved to West Bromwich Albion in 1977, where he enjoyed a successful nine-year career that included a club-record run of 228 consecutive appearances.

He moved to Chelsea in 1986, following a successful loan spell, and famously saved two penalties against Manchester United at Old Trafford in a 1-0 win that September.

Tony ended his professional career with spells at Birmingham City and Peterborough United before moving into management with Kings Lynn and then Bury Town in the 1990s.

He was the goalkeeping coach at Rushden & Diamonds before moving to the south coast and is respected and remembered for his contribution during what was a memorable period for the Seagulls.

We send our sincere condolences to Tony’s family and friends at this very sad time.