Jonathan Gould: From Napier City Rovers to the Premier League - A Journey of Talent and Dedication

Introduction

Hanging in pride of place in Napier City Rovers’ clubrooms are precious keepsakes from one of their most famous ex-players, Jonathan Gould. Gould, who went on to grace the Premier League and win selection for Fifa’s 1998 World Cup, played for Napier City Rovers in 1989, a season when they won the first of four National League titles.

A Versatile Player

Gould played just four games as a goalkeeper for the club, as Clive Holmes was the regular selection between the posts. However, the future Scotland international played most of his time in New Zealand as a centre back. Despite this, his collection of match-issued and -worn goalkeeping jerseys from his career, which spanned over 400 professional games in the UK, including 157 for Scottish giants Celtic, now adorns part of the ceiling at his former club.

A Return to New Zealand

Recently, Gould made a brief trip back to New Zealand, where he took training sessions with Napier City Rovers’ goalkeepers. He expressed his gratitude to the club and the wider Hawke’s Bay community for their support throughout his career and stated that the clubrooms were the best place to display his priceless gear.

A Memorable Season

Gould signed for Napier City Rovers hoping to be their No. 1 goalkeeper, but his path was blocked by Holmes, whom he considered to be better at the time. Despite this setback, Gould embraced the opportunity to play as an outfield player and made a significant contribution to the team's success. He fondly remembers being part of the National League-winning team, which was the first provincial club to achieve this feat.

A Footballing Journey

After his season in New Zealand, Gould went on to play for Clevedon Town, Halifax Town, and West Bromwich Albion before breaking into the Premier League with Coventry City in 1992. His journey eventually led him to Celtic in 1997, where he became a Scottish international and won several titles.

A Coaching Career

Following his playing career, Gould transitioned into a goalkeeping coach. He has worked with various clubs and teams, including the Wellington Phoenix, the All Whites, and English clubs such as West Bromwich Albion, Middlesbrough, Preston North End, and Stoke City. Gould considers it a privilege to still be employed in a sport he loves and finds it an honor to give back to his beloved Napier City Rovers.

Advice for Young Keepers

Gould's advice for young aspiring goalkeepers is to work hard, believe in themselves, and not be deterred by criticism. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and self-confidence in pursuing their dreams.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Gould's expertise and mentorship have had a profound impact on young goalkeepers like Ben Graney, who has had the opportunity to learn from him. Gould's collection of jerseys displayed in the clubrooms serves as motivation for Graney to excel in his own career.

In conclusion, Jonathan Gould's journey from Napier City Rovers to the Premier League is a testament to his talent, versatility, and dedication to the sport. His success as both a player and a coach has left a lasting legacy in the footballing world.