FORMER City team-mates have paid tribute to Karl Goddard, who has died aged 55.

Goddard, who played at left back, made 91 appearances for the Bantams between 1986 and 1990 and scored one goal.

“We got him on a free transfer from Man United and we used to call him Besty after George Best,” said Greg Abbott. “He just loved playing football and going out.

“He was probably as good a left back as there was around the time of the ‘nearly season’ when we just missed out on promotion.

“His career was only going in one direction then it just seemed to nosedive for no rhyme or reason.

“He was really popular with the boys. He was a quiet lad but loved to mix with the lads and socialise - as we did back in the day.

“We all played together and socialised together. He was a really good member of the group.

“It’s really sad news to hear.”

Paul Tomlinson, who holds the club record appearances for a goalkeeper, remembered Goddard’s fitness regime.

“He was a very dedicated player and a really fit lad with a great physique.

“He’d always come in and do loads of exercises. He’d do all his squats and work on his abs, he was really conscious about his weight and his fitness.

“He wasn’t the quickest but a good solid defender who used the ball well.

“If you gave him the ball, you know he wasn’t going to waste it. He was a good steady player.”

Ian Ormondroyd recalled Goddard’s contribution during the ‘nearly season’ in 1988 when City almost got to the top flight but were beaten in the Second Division play-offs.

Goddard scored the opening goal in the 2-1 win over Middlesbrough at Valley Parade in the semi-final first leg. But the Bantams were beaten 2-0 after extra-time in the return game.

Ormondroyd said: “Karl played a big part in the team that nearly went up in ’87-88. He had a great touch and brought a lot of quality on that side.

“He liked going out and socialising and he was a very good player.

“He came to us having been at Man United as a kid, played down the left, a lot at wing-back, and had loads of ability.”

Dave Evans said: “He was a really nice lad who loved the game and was very conscientious about his training.”

Stuart McCall added: “If I think of Karl, I think of a big smiley face and a really talented player.

“He was only a young one when he came in. We played wing-backs most of the time and he was a fit lad who got up and down.

“His technical ability was excellent and he always stood out in small-sided games.

“He had a lovely left foot and quick feet, he was really sharp. He wasn’t rapid over a long distance but really quick in short bursts.

“Physically he wasn’t the biggest for a defender. I’d say he was more of an attacking left wing-back.

“But because he was quick over a short space of ground, nobody really got the better of him.”

Goddard had played for England Schools and joined Manchester United as a trainee in 1984. He turned pro a year later.

He was released by United without playing a game and joined City in June 1986. He made his debut on November 25 against Charlton.

Goddard spent four seasons at Valley Parade, joining Exeter on loan midway through his final one.

He went straight into their squad to face Torquay on New Year’s Day and came off the bench for the final 12 minutes.

But that was his only appearance for the Grecians and he returned to City where he was promptly loaned to Colchester, playing 16 times with one goal.

Goddard made a permanent move to Hereford in September 1990 but played just nine times in the league.

That was his final pro club and he moved into non-league football with Bradford (Park Avenue).

Goddard died on June 25 and leaves three children, Emma, Jack and Alice.

His funeral service takes place on Thursday July 20 at Scholemoor Crematorium at 12.40pm.