Remember When: Shaun Goater Signs For City
[Written by Stephen Wright]
It has been 26 years to the day since Shaun Goater signed for Manchester City, where he quickly became a fan favourite, from Bristol City for £400,000 [$505,500].
Goater, who enjoys legendary status in the blue half of Manchester, scored 21 goals in his first full season at the club, helping them win promotion to the First Division via the Division Two play-offs.
The Bermuda striker netted 29 goals the following campaign as City won successive promotions, finishing runner-up in the First Division to reach the Premier League.
Such was his popularity, the City fans created a song in his honour, “Feed the Goat and he will score”, with Goater finishing as the club’s top scorer with 11 goals in their first season back in the top flight; however, his heroics could not help City from returning to the second tier.
They bounced back immediately, though, with Goater plundering more than 30 goals to help City win the First Division title.
He enjoyed his most memorable moment in the City shirt the following season, bagging a brace against heated rivals Manchester United at Maine Road in a 3-1 win.
During his five years at City from 1998 to 2003, Goater scored 103 goals in 212 appearances.
He has continued his special relationship with the club in an ambassadorial role, as well as serving on the coaching staff of the Manchester City Women’s team.
Yes, The goat is the initial reason that Man City are in the top flight.