View source for Shaun Goater

{{short description|Bermudian footballer (born 1970)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Shaun Goater
| image = Shaun Goater(cropped).jpg
| caption = Goater in 2015
| full_name = Leonard Shaun Goater<ref name = "PFA 238">{{cite book | last = Hugman | first = Barry J.| title = The PFA Premier & Football League Players' Records 1946–2005 | publisher = Queen Anne Press | year = 2005 | page = 238 | isbn = 1-85291-665-6 }}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1970|2|25|df=y}}<ref name = "PFA 238" />
| birth_place = [[Hamilton, Bermuda|Hamilton]], Bermuda
| height = 1.82 m
| position = [[Forward (association football)|Striker]]
| currentclub = 
| youthyears1 = 1978–1985
| youthclubs1 = North Village
| youthyears2 = 1985–1986
| youthclubs2 = Boulevard
| youthyears3 = 1986–1987
| youthclubs3 = North Village
| youthyears4 = 1988–1989
| youthclubs4 = [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]
| years1 = 1989
| clubs1 = [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]
| caps1 = 0
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 1989–1996
| clubs2 = [[Rotherham United F.C.|Rotherham United]]
| caps2 = 209
| goals2 = 70
| years3 = 1993
| clubs3 = → [[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]] (loan)
| caps3 = 1
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 1996–1998
| clubs4 = [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]]
| caps4 = 75
| goals4 = 40
| years5 = 1998–2003
| clubs5 = [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]
| caps5 = 184
| goals5 = 84
| years6 = 2003–2005
| clubs6 = [[Reading F.C.|Reading]]
| caps6 = 43
| goals6 = 12
| years7 = 2005
| clubs7 = → [[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]] (loan)
| caps7 = 6
| goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2005–2006
| clubs8 = [[Southend United F.C.|Southend United]]
| caps8 = 34
| goals8 = 11
| years9 = 2007–2008
| clubs9 = [[Bermuda Hogges]]
| caps9 = 9
| goals9 = 3
| years10 = 2008–2010
| clubs10 = [[North Village Rams]]
| caps10 = 7
| goals10 = 1<!-- LEAGUE ONLY -->
| totalcaps = 567
| totalgoals = 221
| nationalyears1 = 1987–2004
| nationalteam1 = [[Bermuda national football team|Bermuda]]
| nationalcaps1 = 22
| nationalgoals1 = 20 <!-- NO VERIFIED STATS FOR 36 APPEARANCES AND 32 GOALS -->
| manageryears1 = 2008–2013
| managerclubs1 = [[North Village Rams]]<ref name="North Village Rams">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=3 January 2013|title=Goater waves goodbye as Village coach|url=https://www.royalgazette.com/soccer/sport/article/20130103/goater-waves-goodbye-as-village-coach/|access-date=12 October 2021|website=www.royalgazette.com|publisher=Royal Gazette|archive-date=29 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029174311/https://www.royalgazette.com/soccer/sport/article/20130103/goater-waves-goodbye-as-village-coach/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| manageryears2 = 2017
| managerclubs2 = [[Ilkeston F.C.|Ilkeston]]
| manageryears3 = 2024–2025
| managerclubs3 = [[Aston Villa W.F.C.|Aston Villa Women]] (caretaker)
}}
'''Leonard Shaun Goater''' {{postnom|country=GBR|MBE}} (born 25 February 1970) is a Bermudian former professional [[Association football|footballer]], coach and pundit who is currently part of the coaching staff at [[Aston Villa W.F.C.|Aston Villa Women]].

As a player he was a [[Forward (association football)|striker]] for a number of English clubs in the 1990s and 2000s. Goater's first professional club was [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]], but he did not reach the first team, making his League debut in 1989 after moving to [[Rotherham United F.C.|Rotherham United]]. He played for Rotherham for seven years before moving to [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]] in 1996. Two years later he moved to [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] for a fee of £400,000.

He is most well known for his time at Manchester City, where he scored over 100 goals between 1998 and 2003, finishing as the club's top scorer for four consecutive seasons. After leaving City, Goater had spells with [[Reading F.C.|Reading]], [[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]] and [[Southend United F.C.|Southend United]], before retiring in May 2006. He represented [[Bermuda national football team|Bermuda]] 36 times, scoring 32 goals.<ref name="uslbermuda">{{cite news |title=USL expands to Bermuda |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/148835.html |publisher=[[United Soccer Leagues]] |date=14 September 2006 |access-date=2 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927044302/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/148835.html |archive-date=27 September 2011 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==Early life==
Goater was born in the Bermudian capital [[Hamilton, Bermuda|Hamilton]], living with his mother Lynette, his grandmother and two aunts.<ref>{{cite book | last1 = Goater | first1 = Shaun | first2= David|last2= Clayton | title = Feed the Goat | page = 3 | publisher = [[Sutton Publishing]] | year = 2006 | isbn = 0-7509-4502-8 }}</ref> His introduction to English football came in April 1987 when he was invited to join the [[Saltus Grammar School]] football and basketball tour. He spent two weeks playing against various English high school teams, including the [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]] youth team. At the age of 17, he left home to further his education in the United States, where he had a soccer scholarship at [[Columbia High School (New Jersey)|Columbia High School]], [[New Jersey]]. Whilst home in Bermuda during his [[Thanksgiving]] break, Goater was spotted by scouts from Manchester United, who invited him to England for a trial. With encouragement from his mother, who was a former football player herself, Goater accepted, forfeiting his scholarship by doing so.<ref name="early">{{cite web | last = Bailey | first = Chris | title = Shaun Goater story pt 1: The early years | work = Manchester Online | url = http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_city/s/59/59390_shaun_goater_story_pt_1_the_early_years.html | date = 27 May 2003 | access-date = 30 December 2010 | archive-date = 19 September 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110919205714/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_city/s/59/59390_shaun_goater_story_pt_1_the_early_years.html | url-status = dead }}</ref> At this time, Goater did not play as a striker, but instead played as a creative midfielder.<ref name="early"/>

==Club career==

===Early career===
Goater's trial resulted in the offer of a professional contract, but he did not break into the first team. In 1989, Goater signed for Rotherham United in order to play first team football. At this time, Goater suffered homesickness, finding it difficult to adapt to the English climate: "It took me a good two years to get used to life in England. At first I thought the sun never shone and it wasn't for me."<ref name="early" /> However, he gradually got used to living in England, and over the course of seven seasons at Rotherham he gained a reputation as a reliable lower division striker, scoring 86 goals in 262 appearances, with a winner's medal for the 1996 [[Football League Trophy]] the highlight. A 1992 [[Football League Cup|League Cup]] tie against [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] gave Goater his first experience of playing against a [[Premier League]] team. In the first leg, Goater scored the only goal of the game as Rotherham won 1–0.<ref>{{cite news | title = Edwards equal to challenge | work = The Independent | date = 24 September 1992 | author=Trevor Haylett |page=40 }}</ref> However, Everton won the return leg 3–0 and Rotherham were eliminated.<ref>{{cite news | title = Everton overcome depleted visitors | work = The Times | date = 8 October 1992 | author=Ian Ross}}</ref> In 1993, Goater also had a brief loan spell at [[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]], though he made only one appearance for the Nottingham club due to a work permit problem.<ref>{{cite news | title = Player sacked after Allon's jaw broken | work = The Independent | date = 18 November 1993 |page=43 }}</ref> Towards the end of the [[1995–96 in English football|1995–96]] season, Goater had a disagreement with Rotherham manager [[Archie Gemmill]], and decided his future lay elsewhere.<ref>Feed the Goat, pp. 39–40</ref>

In the 1995–96 close season, Goater received offers from Spanish club [[CA Osasuna|Osasuna]] and newly formed South Koreans [[Suwon Samsung Bluewings]], but having recently married, he decided to stay in England.<ref>Feed the Goat, p. 44</ref> Shortly after, he moved to Bristol City for a fee of £175,000.<ref name = "fees">{{cite news | title = Reading sign Goater | work = BBC Sport | publisher = British Broadcasting Corporation | date = 1 August 2003 | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/reading/3114917.stm | access-date = 25 January 2009 | archive-date = 3 August 2003 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20030803094743/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/3114917.stm | url-status = live }}</ref> Goater's Bristol City debut came against [[Gillingham F.C.|Gillingham]]. Goater scored, but Bristol City lost 3–2. City finished the season in fifth, qualifying for the playoffs, but lost to [[Brentford F.C.|Brentford]]. The following season Bristol City were pushing for promotion into the [[Football League First Division|First Division]], and Goater scored regularly, eventually being named in the [[PFA Team of the Year]] for the division. In a little under two years with Bristol City, he scored 45 goals in 81 appearances.<ref>{{cite web | title = Shaun Goater Stats | publisher = Soccerbase | url = http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=2918 | access-date = 6 December 2011 | archive-date = 9 October 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121009095304/http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=2918 | url-status = live }}</ref> On 26 March 1998, [[Transfer window|transfer deadline day]], Goater signed for Manchester City, who paid Bristol City £400,000 for his services.<ref name="fees"/>

===Manchester City===
Goater joined Manchester City at a turbulent point in their history, with newly appointed manager [[Joe Royle]] battling to save the club from relegation to the [[Football League Second Division|Second Division]]. Goater scored three goals in the seven remaining matches of the [[1997–98 Manchester City F.C. season|1997–98]] season, but this was not enough to prevent the club from being relegated to the third tier of English Football for the first time ever. Fans were initially sceptical as to Goater's ability,<ref name = "rise of the goat">{{cite web|title=Shaun Goater story pt 2: The rise of the Goat|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/shaun-goater-story-pt-2-1144880|publisher=[[Manchester Evening News]]|date=10 August 2004|website=manchestereveningnews.co.uk|access-date=11 July 2022|archive-date=11 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711201531/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/shaun-goater-story-pt-2-1144880|url-status=live}}</ref> but as goals were scored supporters were gradually won over, creating a song in his honour, "Feed The Goat And He Will Score" (to the tune [[Cwm Rhondda]]). The [[1998–99 in English football|1998–99]] season saw Goater score 21 goals, finishing the season as Manchester City's top goalscorer. The last of these was the winning goal in a play-off semi-final against [[Wigan Athletic F.C.|Wigan Athletic]], sending Manchester City to [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]] for a playoff final which saw City promoted after a penalty shootout.<ref>{{cite news | title = Football: Benson takes over at Wigan | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-benson-takes-over-at-wigan-1097663.html | work = The Independent | access-date = 27 June 2009 | location = London | first = Tommy | last = Staniforth | date = 2 June 1999 | archive-date = 3 November 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121103085717/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-benson-takes-over-at-wigan-1097663.html | url-status = live }}</ref>

The [[1999–2000 Manchester City F.C. season|1999–2000]] season was even more successful for Goater. He was the club's top goal scorer again, this time with 29 goals, and was named Manchester City's Player of the Year by the supporters<ref name = "rise of the goat"/> after Manchester City were promoted for the second successive year. In the summer, Goater was awarded the freedom of Bermuda, with 21 June declared as "Shaun Goater Day" on the island.<ref>{{cite web | title='National Shaun Goater Day' declared in Bermuda | url=http://www.soccernet.com/global/news/2000/0624/20000624mcfcgoater.html | work=ESPN Soccernet | date = 24 June 2000 | access-date=2 August 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021012031107/http://www.soccernet.com/global/news/2000/0624/20000624mcfcgoater.html |archive-date=12 October 2002 }}</ref> The following season, Goater made his first appearance in top flight football at the age of 30, though injury and the presence of new signings [[Paulo Wanchope]] and former World Player of the Year [[George Weah]] meant he had to wait three months to do so. Again established in the first team, Goater was Manchester City's top goalscorer for the third consecutive season, but his 11 goals could not save the team from relegation.

During the [[2000–01 Manchester City F.C. season|2000–01 season]], upheaval took place at Manchester City, with manager Royle departing to be replaced by [[Kevin Keegan]]. Goater was the club's top scorer with 11 goals in all competitions but not save the club from relegation back to the First Division. In the [[2001–02 Manchester City F.C. season|2001–02]] season, Goater became the first Manchester City player since [[Francis Lee (footballer)|Francis Lee]] in 1972 to score more than 30 goals in a season. City were promoted as champions, and he was the club's top scorer for the fourth time in a row, as well as being the top scorer in the division.<ref>{{cite web|title=Shaun Goater story pt 3: The goals keep coming|publisher=[[Manchester Evening News]]|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/shaun-goater-story-pt3-the-goals-1144930|date=10 August 2004|website=manchestereveningnews.co.uk}}</ref><ref name=888sport>{{cite web|url=https://www.888sport.com/blog/football/championship-top-goal-scorers-season|title=Championship: Top Goal Scorers By Season|author=Cox, Sam|date=30 June 2022|publisher=[[888sport]]|website=888sport.com|access-date=11 July 2022|archive-date=20 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520100224/https://www.888sport.com/blog/football/championship-top-goal-scorers-season|url-status=live}}</ref>

Over the summer of 2001–02, there was speculation that Goater would be transferred, as Manchester City had twice broken their transfer record by buying strikers [[Jon Macken]] and [[Nicolas Anelka]].<ref>{{cite news | title = Keegan settles record deal to sign Macken | url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2431855/Keegan-settles-record-deal-to-sign-Macken.html | work = The Telegraph | access-date = 27 June 2009 | location = London | first = William | last = Johnson | date = 4 March 2002 | archive-date = 11 November 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121111235338/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2431855/Keegan-settles-record-deal-to-sign-Macken.html | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Man City complete record Jo deal | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/7442429.stm | work = BBC Sport | publisher = British Broadcasting Corporation | access-date = 27 June 2009 | date = 3 July 2008 | archive-date = 4 February 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090204125317/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/7442429.stm | url-status = live }}</ref> Goater stayed, but opportunities were limited. He started just 14 games, but scored seven goals, including his 100th for the club, which came in a [[Local derby|derby match]] against local rivals Manchester United. In February 2003, Goater struck against the same opposition to score the fastest goal by a substitute in Premier League history, just 9 seconds after coming onto the pitch.<ref>{{cite news | title = Goater cameo stalls United challenge | url = http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,-41519,00.html | work = [[The Guardian]] | access-date = 2 August 2006 | location = London | first = Daniel | last = Taylor | date = 10 February 2003 | archive-date = 20 March 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070320013118/http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,-41519,00.html | url-status = dead }}</ref> He also scored a goal that would have won City the match, but it was disallowed.

Shortly before the end of the [[2002–03 in English football|2002–03]] season, Goater announced his intention to leave Manchester City when the season finished in order to seek regular first team football. In his final match for Manchester City, he was asked to captain the side in Manchester City's final game at [[Maine Road]].<ref>{{cite news | title = Svensson poops the final party | url = http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,-42498,00.html | work = [[The Guardian]] | access-date = 2 August 2006 | location = London | first = Roy | last = Collins | date = 12 May 2003 | archive-date = 12 June 2006 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060612235354/http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,-42498,00.html | url-status = dead }}</ref> In total, Goater scored 103 goals in 212 appearances for Manchester City. Since ending his footballing career, Goater has been critical of both Kevin Keegan, who he claims never praised him, and Nicolas Anelka, who he feels wanted to be 'the daddy' of Manchester City.<ref>{{cite web | title = No 'buts' from the Goat | first = Andy | last = Buckley | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2006/09/20/200906_goater_interview_feature.shtml | work = BBC Sport | publisher = British Broadcasting Corporation | date = 20 September 2006 | access-date = 6 December 2011 | archive-date = 25 September 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150925071356/http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2006/09/20/200906_goater_interview_feature.shtml | url-status = live }}</ref>

===Later career===
Goater moved to Reading on 1 August 2003. Reading chairman [[John Madejski]] described the transfer as "the biggest in Reading Football Club's history",<ref>{{cite web | title = Career and history to date | work=Shaungoater.net | url = http://www.shaungoater.net/about_shaun.htm | access-date =24 November 2005 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050308020937/http://www.shaungoater.net/about_shaun.htm | archive-date = 8 March 2005 }}</ref> but Goater's time there was not a happy one. Shortly after Goater's arrival, Reading manager [[Alan Pardew]] left for [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]], and Pardew's replacement, [[Steve Coppell]], did not regard Goater as part of his plans. In his second and final season at Reading, Goater played just four times, and was loaned to Coventry City. Goater then considered retirement,<ref>{{cite web | title = The Gaffer and his Goat | url = http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20060705/SPORT/307059965 | work = Royal Gazette | date = 5 July 2006 | access-date = 6 December 2011 | archive-date = 2 April 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150402112027/http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20060705/SPORT/307059965 | url-status = live }}</ref> but instead moved to [[Football League One|League One]] club Southend United for a final season as a professional. The move, a free transfer, was completed on 3 August 2005. At Southend, Goater acted as a mentor for young striker [[Freddy Eastwood]], and contributed towards a second successive promotion for ''the Shrimpers'', scoring 11 goals. His final appearance before retirement was on 6 May 2006, when Southend played Bristol City, one of Goater's former clubs. The crowd included an estimated 400 Manchester City fans who travelled to Southend to mark the occasion.<ref name=Goat>{{cite web | title = Goodbye to the Goat! | first = Chris | last = Bailey | url = http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_city/s/213055_goodbye_to_the_goat | work = Manchester Evening News | access-date = 6 December 2011 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name=SouthendUnited>{{cite web|url=https://www.southendunited.co.uk/news/2020/may/gallery-league-one-2006-title-celebration/|title=Gallery and Video Special: 2006 League One Title Celebrations|date=6 May 2020|publisher=[[Southend United]]|website=southendunited.co.uk|access-date=11 July 2022|archive-date=23 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523105527/https://www.southendunited.co.uk/news/2020/may/gallery-league-one-2006-title-celebration/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Goater and three other partners in the Bermuda-based East End Group Limited announced an amalgamation with Telecommunications Networks Limited (now renamed East End Telecom) on 9 November 2007, which added to the group's two other business subsidiaries, East End Asphalt and East End Aviation. Goater serves as the group's Business Development Manager.<ref>{{cite web | title = Shaun Goater, Business Development Officer | url = http://www.eeabermuda.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=82&Itemid=69 | work = East End Asphalt | access-date =27 June 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110710172119/http://www.eeabermuda.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=82&Itemid=69 | archive-date = 10 July 2011 }}</ref>

When in England, Goater has made regular appearances in local media covering the Manchester area. These have included a column entitled "Read the Goat" in the official Manchester City match programme, and a regular guest spot on the [[BBC Radio Manchester]] programme ''Blue Tuesday''.<ref>{{cite book |last=Lake |first=Paul |author2=Lake, Joanne |title=I'm Not Really Here: A Life of Two Halves |publisher=Century |location=London |date=2011 |isbn=978-1-84-605824-0 |page=[https://archive.org/details/imnotreallyhere0000lake/page/378 378] |url=https://archive.org/details/imnotreallyhere0000lake/page/378 }}</ref>

==International career==
Goater has also played for the Bermudian national team 22 times, scoring 20 goals<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/goater-intlg.html | title = Shaun Goater – International Appearances and Goals | first = Neil | last = Morrison | date = 19 November 2020 | access-date = 25 November 2020 | publisher = [[Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|RSSSF.com]] | archive-date = 7 April 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230407135911/https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/goater-intlg.html | url-status = live }}</ref> though due to Bermuda's lowly standing in world football he never played in a major international tournament. He made his first international appearance at the age of 17 against [[Canada men's national soccer team|Canada]].<ref>Feed the Goat, p. 3.</ref> Other sources list him with 36 appearances, scoring 32 goals.<ref>{{cite news | title = Goodbye to the Goat who was worth a flock of sheep | url = https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/may/10/comment.gdnsport3 | work = [[The Guardian]] | access-date = 2 August 2006 | location = London | first = Simon | last = Hattenstone | date = 10 May 2006 | archive-date = 14 September 2006 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060914053146/http://sport.guardian.co.uk/columnists/story/0,,1771205,00.html | url-status = live }}</ref>

During the 1992–93 season, Goater missed eight weeks of the club season in order to represent his country in qualifying for the 1994 World Cup. However, Bermuda finished bottom of a group containing [[El Salvador national football team|El Salvador]], [[Canada national men's soccer team|Canada]] and [[Jamaica national football team|Jamaica]].<ref name="94WC">{{cite news | title = Goater forsakes Bermuda for Rotherham paradise | work = The Times | date = 20 January 1993 | author=Adrian Holloway |page=42 }}</ref> His final appearance was in June 2004 against El Salvador.<ref>Feed the Goat, pp. 193, 198.</ref>

When playing for Bermuda, Goater was often the only professional player in the team. Bermudian journalist Chris Gibbons described the difference between Goater and his teammates: "He's a class above every other player on the island. Before he went to England he was just quick, but now he's a totally different player, a lot more aggressive and a much better header of the ball. The problem has been that he sets up chances for the others without them being on the same wavelength."<ref name="94WC"/> However, Goater noted that this had a detrimental aspect: "My fitness dropped off while I was with Bermuda. It was like being on holiday. The team just ate what they liked. I kept to my professional diet for about two or three weeks until peer pressure took over."<ref name="94WC"/>

===International goals===

{{Incomplete list|date=July 2020}}

:''Scores and results list Bermuda's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Bermuda goal''.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Shaun Goater<ref>{{cite web |last1=Morrison |first1=Neil |title=Shaun Goater – International Appearances and Goals |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/goater-intlg.html |website=RSSSF |access-date=2 February 2023 |archive-date=7 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407135911/https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/goater-intlg.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
!scope=col | No.
!scope=col | Date
!scope=col | Venue
!scope=col | Opponent
!scope=col | Score
!scope=col | Result
!scope=col | Competition
!scope=col class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
| align="center" | 1
|{{dts|13 April 1989}}
|[[Bermuda National Stadium]], [[Hamilton, Bermuda]]
|{{fb|BAR}}
| align="center" |2–1
| align="center" |2–1
|Daily Nation Trophy
|
|-
| align="center" | 2
|rowspan=2|{{dts|13 May 1990}}
|rowspan=2|[[Mindoo Phillip Park]], [[Castries]], Saint Lucia
|rowspan=2|{{fb|LCA}}
| align="center" |1–0
| align="center" rowspan=2|2–0
|rowspan=6|[[1990 Caribbean Cup|1990 Caribbean Cup qualification]]
|
|-
| align="center" | 3
| align="center" |2–0
|
|-
| align="center" | 4
|{{dts|26 May 1990}}
|[[Bermuda National Stadium]], [[Hamilton, Bermuda]]
|{{fb|BAR}}
| align="center" |1–1
| align="center" |1–1
|
|-
| align="center" | 5
|rowspan=3|{{dts|29 May 1990}}
|rowspan=3|[[Bermuda National Stadium]], [[Hamilton, Bermuda]]
|rowspan=3|{{fb|BAR}}
| align="center" |1–0
| align="center" rowspan=3|3–0
|
|-
| align="center" | 6
| align="center" |2–0
|
|-
| align="center" | 7
| align="center" |3–0
|
|-
| align="center" | 8
|{{dts|4 February 1992}}
|[[Bermuda National Stadium]], [[Hamilton, Bermuda]]
|{{fb|NOR}}
| align="center" |1–3
| align="center" |1–3
|Friendly
|
|-
| align="center" | 9
|{{dts|26 April 1992}}
|[[Bermuda National Stadium]], [[Hamilton, Bermuda]]
|{{fb|HAI}}
| align="center" |1–0
| align="center" |1–0
|rowspan=7|[[1994 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|
|-
| align="center" | 10
|{{dts|25 May 1992}}
|[[Stade Sylvio Cator]], [[Port-au-Prince]], Haiti
|{{fb|HAI}}
| align="center" |1–0
| align="center" |1–2
|
|-
| align="center" | 11
|rowspan=2|{{dts|4 July 1992}}
|rowspan=2|[[Bermuda National Stadium]], [[Hamilton, Bermuda]]
|rowspan=2|{{fb|ATG}}
| align="center" |1–1
| align="center" rowspan=2|2–1
|
|-
| align="center" | 12
| align="center" |2–1
|
|-
| align="center" | 13
|{{dts|1 November 1992}}
|[[Estadio Cuscatlán]], [[San Salvador]], El Salvador
|{{fb|SLV}}
| align="center" |1–4
| align="center" |1–4
|
|-
| align="center" | 14
|{{dts|8 November 1992}}
|[[Independence Park (Jamaica)|Independence Park]], [[Kingston, Jamaica]]
|{{fb|JAM}}
| align="center" |2–2
| align="center" |2–3
|
|-
| align="center" | 15
|{{dts|15 November 1992}}
|[[Swangard Stadium]], [[Burnaby]], Canada
|{{fb|CAN}}
| align="center" |1–3
| align="center" |2–4
|
|-
| align="center" | 16
|rowspan=3|{{dts|5 March 2000}}
|rowspan=3|[[A. O. Shirley Recreation Ground|Sherly Ground]], [[Road Town]], British Virgin Islands
|rowspan=3|{{fb|VGB}}
| align="center" |3–0
| align="center" rowspan=3|5–1
|rowspan=3|[[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|
|-
| align="center" | 17
| align="center" |4–0
|
|-
| align="center" | 18
| align="center" |5–1
|
|-
| align="center" | 19
|rowspan=2|{{dts|31 March 2004}}
|rowspan=2|[[Bermuda National Stadium]], [[Hamilton, Bermuda]]
|rowspan=2|{{fb|NIC}}
| align="center" |1–0
| align="center" rowspan=3|3–0
|rowspan=2|Friendly
|
|-
| align="center" | 20
| align="center" |2–0
|
|}

==Coaching career==
After retiring, Goater returned to Bermuda, receiving an official welcome from the Premier of Bermuda [[William Alexander Scott|Alex Scott]] on his arrival.<ref>{{cite web | title = Premier Welcomes Back Goater | url = http://www.islandstats.com/sport.asp?sport=2&assoc=1&newsid=2701 | work = Island Stats | access-date = 2 August 2006 | archive-date = 28 September 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070928155745/http://www.islandstats.com/sport.asp?sport=2&assoc=1&newsid=2701 | url-status = live }}</ref> A week later, Southend played the Bermuda national team in an appreciation game for their former striker.<ref>{{cite web | title = Goater's former club confirm Island tour | first = Dan | last = Rutstein | url = http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20060610/SPORT/306109979 | work = Royal Gazette | date = 10 June 2006 | access-date = 6 December 2011 | archive-date = 13 February 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120213054152/http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20060610/SPORT/306109979 | url-status = live }}</ref> Goater has expressed a wish to enter coaching following his retirement, and studied for the [[UEFA]] B coaching licence in 2005.<ref>{{cite web | title = The Goat talks to mcfc.co.uk | work = [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] | url = http://www.mcfc.co.uk/default.sps?pagegid=%7B91F976A7-432E-4583-A176-809C0BD6D0F7%7D&pcpageid=14581 | access-date =13 May 2006 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070415215745/http://www.mcfc.co.uk/default.sps?pagegid=%7B91F976A7-432E-4583-A176-809C0BD6D0F7%7D&pcpageid=14581 | archive-date = 15 April 2007 | url-status = dead }}</ref> Since 2003, Goater has organised the annual ''Shaun Goater Grass-roots Soccer Festival'', a football coaching event for children in Bermuda. On 14 September 2006, Goater and the [[United Soccer Leagues]] announced that Bermuda would receive a professional football team that would play in the third division of American football, the [[USL Second Division]].<ref name="uslbermuda"/> Goater had roles as both a director and player of the team, the [[Bermuda Hogges]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Whittaker|first=James|title=Goater will kit up|url=http://www.bermudasun.bm/main.asp?SectionID=8&SubSectionID=203&ArticleID=31127|access-date=14 November 2006|work=Bermuda Sun|archive-date=7 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807133426/http://bermudasun.bm/main.asp?SectionID=8&SubSectionID=203&ArticleID=31127|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Goater left Bermuda Hogges in 2008, to concentrate on youth coaching with [[North Village Rams]] in his home town.<ref>{{cite web | title = Goater, Lightbourne retire as Hogges players | first = Stephen | last = Wright | url = http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20080208/SPORT/302089973 | work = Royal Gazette | date = 8 February 2008 | access-date = 6 December 2011 | archive-date = 10 June 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150610222728/http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20080208/SPORT/302089973 | url-status = live }}</ref> He was appointed as the head coach in 2008. He served as the head coach of the ''Rams'' from 2008 to 2013, in the process winning seven trophies, including the league, three Friendship titles, Charity Cup and two Dudley Eve titles.<ref name="North Village Rams"/><ref name=":0" />

On 8 August 2015, it was announced that Goater would join [[Northern Premier League Division One North]] club [[New Mills A.F.C.|New Mills]] as assistant manager to Andy Fearn.<ref>{{cite web | title = Shaun Goater invited to join backroom staff | url = http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/newmillsafc/news/shaun-goater-invited-to-join-backroom-staff-1469960.html | access-date = 9 August 2015 | archive-date = 30 April 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190430170003/https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/newmillsafc/news/shaun-goater-invited-to-join-backroom-staff-1469960.html | url-status = live }}</ref> In September 2015, Fearn and Goater resigned from New Mills after nine defeats in nine games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34692356 |title=New Mills: The worst team in English football? |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 November 2015 |access-date=2 November 2015 |archive-date=3 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151103073600/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34692356 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 17 February 2017, Goater was appointed manager of Northern Premier League Division One North club [[Ilkeston F.C.|Ilkeston]].<ref>{{cite web |date=17 February 2017 |title=Ilkeston appoint Shaun Goater |url=http://www.ilkestonfc.co.uk/news/ilkeston-appoint-shaun-goater |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217223707/http://www.ilkestonfc.co.uk/news/ilkeston-appoint-shaun-goater |archive-date=17 February 2017 |website=Ilkeston FC}}</ref>

On 5 February 2019, Macclesfield Town announced that they had hired Goater to the staff of their under-18s team.<ref>[https://www.mtfc.co.uk/news/2019/february/08.02.19-manchester-city-hero-joins-macclesfield-town-under-18s-coaching-team/ Manchester City Hero Shaun Goater Joins Macclesfield Town Under 18's Coaching Team] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808090157/https://www.mtfc.co.uk/news/2019/february/08.02.19-manchester-city-hero-joins-macclesfield-town-under-18s-coaching-team/ |date=8 August 2020 }}, mtfc.co.uk, 5 February 2019</ref>

On 8 October 2021, Goater returned to [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] as part of the academy coaching staff.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|last=Edwards|first=John|date=8 October 2021|title=Shaun Goater begins academy coaching role|url=https://www.mancity.com/news/eds-academy/shaun-goater-academy-coaching|access-date=8 October 2021|website=mancity.com|publisher=[[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]}}</ref> He joined his former club's Academy coaching staff as part of the Premier League's Coach Inclusion & Diversity Scheme (CIDS), a programme set up with the aim of increasing the number of Black, Asian and mixed heritage coaches working full-time in professional football.<ref name=":0" /> Goater was set to work across all the club's Academy age groups, from the foundation phase up to the professional development phase, in different roles to ensure the provision of a wide range of experience.<ref name=":0" />

In April 2023, Goater joined [[Manchester City W.F.C.]] as assistant to manager [[Gareth Taylor]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cox |first=Sam |date=7 April 2023 |title=Goater: It's a 'joy' working with City Women |url=https://www.mancity.com/citytv/womens/shaun-goater-manchester-city-women-interview-63816453 |access-date=28 August 2024 |website=Manchester City F.C.}}</ref>

On 28 August 2024, Goater departed Manchester City to take the role of Assistant Head Coach at [[Aston Villa W.F.C.]]<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-08-28 |title=Aston Villa Women confirm Robert de Pauw's backroom staff |url=https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/august/28/women-s-backroom-staff-confirmed/ |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=Aston Villa Football Club}}</ref> On 11 December 2024, Goater was named caretaker manager after Aston Villa Women parted company with manager [[Robert de Pauw]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-12-11 |title=Club Statement |url=https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/december/11/club-statement/ |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=Aston Villa Football Club |archive-date=11 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211214431/https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/december/11/club-statement/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Goater took charge of his first game later that same day, a 4–1 victory over [[Charlton Athletic W.F.C.|Charlton Athletic]] in the [[FA Women's League Cup|Women's League Cup]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 December 2024 |title=Aston Villa 4–1 Charlton Athletic: Women's League Cup |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cd6009x7p9vt |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB |archive-date=13 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213114911/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cd6009x7p9vt |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 22 January 2025, Aston Villa hired [[Natalia Arroyo]] as new manager, and Goater returned to his role in the coaching staff.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-01-22 |title=Natalia Arroyo appointed new Women's Head Coach |url=https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2025/january/22/natalia-arroyo-appointed-new-women-s-head-coach/ |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=Aston Villa Football Club}}</ref> During his time as caretaker manager, Goater took charge of 4 matches, featuring 3 wins and 1 draw and had expressed a desire to take on the job permanently.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sanders |first=Emma |date=2025-01-17 |title=Shaun Goater wants Aston Villa Women's job on permanent basis |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c2eggj2nrdwo |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref> 

==Personal life==
[[File:ShaunGoater.jpg|thumb|120px|Goater at a book signing in September 2006]]
Goater is married to Anita, his childhood sweetheart, and has two daughters, Amaya and Anais (born 3 October 2000 in [[Wythenshawe]], [[Manchester]]). He was awarded the MBE in 2003 for services to sport and young people in Bermuda.<ref>{{cite news | title = Goater awarded MBE | work = BBC Sport | publisher = British Broadcasting Corporation | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/2988234.stm | access-date = 24 November 2005 | date = 13 June 2003 | archive-date = 7 January 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070107151744/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/2988234.stm | url-status = live }}</ref> His autobiography, ''Feed the Goat: The Shaun Goater Story'' was published in September 2006.

==Honours==

=== Player ===
'''Rotherham United'''
*[[Football League Trophy]]: [[1995–96 Football League Trophy|1995–96]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/familiar-role-for-jemson-1304918.html |title=Familiar role for Jemson |first=Greg |last=Wood |website=The Independent |date=14 April 1996 |access-date=25 April 2024 |archive-date=26 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026005737/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/familiar-role-for-jemson-1304918.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

'''Manchester City'''
*[[Football League First Division]]: [[2001–02 Football League First Division|2001–02]]
*[[Football League Second Division play-offs]]: [[1999 Football League play-offs#Second Division|1999]]

'''Southend United'''
*[[Football League One]]: [[2005–06 Football League#Football League One|2005–06]]<ref name=Goat /><ref name=SouthendUnited />

'''Individual'''
*[[Football League One|Football League First Division]] top scorer: [[2001–02 Football League#First Division|2001–02]]<ref name=888sport />
*[[PFA Team of the Year]]: [[PFA Team of the Year (1990s)|1997–98]], [[PFA Team of the Year (2000s)|2001–02]]
*[[List of Manchester City F.C. players#Player of the Year awards|Manchester City Player of the Season]]: [[1999-2000 Manchester City F.C. season|1999–2000]]<ref name = "rise of the goat" />
*[[Member of the British Empire]]: 2003<ref name=MBE>{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/2988234.stm|title=Goater awarded MBE|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=June 13, 2003|website=bbc.co.uk|access-date=11 July 2022|archive-date=11 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711203239/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/2988234.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Manager ===
'''North Village Rams'''<ref name="North Village Rams"/>
* [[Bermudian Premier Division]]: 2010–11
* Charity Shield (Super Cup): 2010–11
* Dudley Eve Trophy: 2009–10, 2010–11
* Friendship Trophy: 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* {{Soccerbase}}
* {{NFT|792}}

{{Navboxes
|bg = gold
|fg = navy
|title = Awards
|list1 =
{{1997–98 Football League Second Division PFA Team of the Year}}
{{2001–02 Football League First Division Team of the Year}}
{{Football League Championship top scorers}}
{{Manchester City F.C. Player of the Year}}
{{Manchester City F.C. Hall of Fame}}
}}
{{Ilkeston F.C. managers}}
{{Aston Villa W.F.C. managers}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Goater, Shaun}}
[[Category:1970 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Footballers from Hamilton, Bermuda]]
[[Category:Bermudian men's footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football forwards]]
[[Category:Manchester United F.C. players]]
[[Category:Rotherham United F.C. players]]
[[Category:Notts County F.C. players]]
[[Category:Bristol City F.C. players]]
[[Category:Manchester City F.C. players]]
[[Category:Reading F.C. players]]
[[Category:Coventry City F.C. players]]
[[Category:Southend United F.C. players]]
[[Category:Bermuda Hogges F.C. players]]
[[Category:North Village Rams players]]
[[Category:Ilkeston F.C. managers]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
[[Category:English Football League players]]
[[Category:USL Second Division players]]
[[Category:Members of the Order of the British Empire]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England]]
[[Category:Bermudian expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Bermudian expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[Category:Bermuda men's international footballers]]
[[Category:Bermudian football managers]]
[[Category:Manchester City F.C. non-playing staff]]
[[Category:Manchester City W.F.C. non-playing staff]]
[[Category:Aston Villa W.F.C. managers]]