BEES SIGN UP NORTHAMPTON TOWN DEFENDER
BRENTFORD MAKE NORTHAMPTON DEFENDER THEIR FIRST SIGNING AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON
CHARLIE GOODE has become Brentford’s first signing of the summer after completing his move from Northampton Town.
The 25-year-old defender agreed a four-year contract, with the option of a further year, and joins for an undisclosed fee.
Goode arrives fresh from captaining The Cobblers to success in the Sky Bet League Two Play-Offs. The commanding centre-back played 45 games in all competitions last term, as Keith Curle’s side ended their campaign with a 4-0 victory over Exeter City at Wembley to book a spot in the third tier.
Released by Fulham aged 15, the Watford-born defender spent time in non-league with Harefield United, Hadley, AFC Hayes and Hendon, before moving to Scunthorpe United in the summer of 2015.
He scored on his professional debut against Burton Albion, one of two goals in 14 appearances that season. Goode played 46 games over the following two campaigns, both of which saw The Iron lose out in the Sky Bet League One Play-Off semifinals.
Goode was a regular during the first half of the 2018/19 season, making 25 appearances ahead of a deadline day loan switch to Northampton Town.
His performances during that 17-game stint at Sixfields persuaded Town to make his move permanent last summer and hand him the captain’s armband.
Bees’ head coach Thomas Frank said: “I’d like to welcome Charlie to the club. Charlie is a player I really like. He is an aggressive defender and a big aerial threat in both boxes, which is a big thing for us. He has good quality on the ball which we feel we can develop further within our style of play.
“The pathway through the nonleague and lower leagues develops you hugely as a person and builds your character in ways that I really like. I feel Charlie can add something to the team in that regard, especially given his leadership qualities. We are sure that he will grow and develop further with us over the coming years and that, in turn, he will help us go forward as a club too.”
Co-director of football Phil Giles said: “There was significant interest in Charlie from other Championship clubs, therefore I’m very pleased we were able to secure his signing. Our defence was already strong last year and we feel that Charlie can help us become even stronger, especially given the experience he brings having captained a successful Northampton Town team last season.”
In total, Goode arrives in west London with 147 professional appearances and 10 goals to his name.
Meanwhile, Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma have been beaten to the PFA Bristol Street Motors Fans’ Player of the Year award by Leeds United’s Luke Ayling.
The duo were included after a prolific season in front of goal. Watkins was the Championship’s second top scorer with 25 league goals, while Said contributed 17 goals and eight assists as the Bees ended the season in third place.
However, it was Ayling, with four goals and four assists in 37 outings, who took the fans’ vote.