MetroStars goalkeeper Dan Godley racks up his 350th senior soccer match

METROSTARS goalkeeper Dan Godley has former Premier Mike Rann to thank for the big break in his 350-game soccer career.

METROSTARS goalkeeper Dan Godley has former Premier Mike Rann to thank for his big break in soccer.

Godley was in his debut senior season with Salisbury United in 1998 when Rann, the club’s patron and then state Opposition Leader, organised a two-week trial for him with English outfit Charlton Athletic.

Rann had connections at the Addicks and the trial led to a half-season spell at third-tier English club Wycombe Wanderers and advice from former England goalkeeper Gordon Banks.

Godley, who celebrated his 350th senior state league match on April 5, regards the experience as one of the highlights of his career, along with his six trophies with Klemzig-based MetroStars.

“At the time Mike Rann was just a football supporter in the bars after the game and you’d have a chat,” Godley recalls of his trial with Charlton.

“He put me in touch with the right people at Charlton, gave me a nice reference and that gave me a good kickstart.

“It is funny ... and you do pinch yourself later.

“He also organised a friend of his to watch me at one of my (Wycombe) games.

“Afterwards I found out it was Gordon Banks and I got a bit of advice from him.

“I was still paying Mike back with votes for a long time.”

Godley’s career almost did not get off the ground after he fractured his spine in a car crash as an 18 year old.

But he bounced back from the injury, got a crack at Salisbury United and then went on to have stints with Adelaide City while they were in the National Soccer League and Adelaide Olympic.

The Wynn Vale resident joined MetroStars in 2004 and won the treble (league, cup, minor premiership) in his first season.

“After the car accident I was told I might not play and was ready to hang them (the boots) up because I didn’t think I was going to make it.

“Nothing beats winning finals but the people you meet and the friends you make — it’s the whole package that I’ve enjoyed.”

Godley plans to hang up his boots at the end of the season to spend more time with family, including daughter Amelie, 6, and son Jarvis, 1.

“I’d like to coach and maybe pay back Metro for all they’ve given me.”