Profile: To choose one of these players for inclusion in the Hull City Legends section and not the other would be unfair, and would make documenting their Tigers' career difficult for they will always be remembered as a duo rather than individuals.
Their story begins in France over a year before joining the club, when in June 1998 Jamaica became the first English-speaking Caribbean nation to play in the World Cup finals. Midfielder Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore and defender Ian 'Pepe' Goodison were integral parts of the 'Reggae Boyz' team. Defeats to Croatia and Argentina in their first two games meant they would be leaving France '98 at the group stage, but not before a triumphant 2-1 win against Japan - 'Tappa' scoring both goals.
They both joined Hull City in October 1999, with Theo Whitmore undoubtedly making the better first impression, playing a brilliant debut away to Macclesfield in the FA Cup before scoring on his league debut 3 days later at Rochdale. They each made 23 appearances in the 1999/2000 season, their availability to manager Warren Joyce limited by their ongoing national team duties. Whitmore's sublime ball control and flair were a joy to witness, although he would add only one more goal to his tally for the season, a first minute strike against Cheltenham at Boothferry Park. Premiership club Coventry City were reported to have made a £1.5million offer to Hull City - for Goodison as well, naturally - but the transfer never materialised. In truth, Goodison failed to shine in his first season as a Tiger. Although he was playing out of position as a wing-back on numerous occasions, his comically bad throw-ins in one particular match at Boothferry Park typified his struggle to adapt to the English game.
That was all to change the following season though as both players hit their best form for the club. Goodison, now playing in his favoured centre back position, formed a formidable partnership with Justin Whittle in defence - only eventual champions Brighton conceded fewer goals all season. Whitmore was starting to hit the goal trail, his fifth - and final - goal of the season in the match against Darlington a magical length-of-the-field dribble, one-two with Clint Marcelle and assured finish.
In January of that season, Hull City's finances reached "crisis" stage. A club director admitted they'd be "crazy" not to accept a substantial offer for Whitmore, and it looked like he would soon be sold on. However, the point became moot days later when, on the 29th January, news came through that while in Jamaica on international duty, Whitmore had been injured in a car accident. Jamaica defender Steve 'Shorty' Malcolm died in the crash, and Whitmore made just five further appearances before the end of the season. Goodison though continued to excel as City went on to reach the play-offs, and he picked up the club's Player of the Year award. His assuredness in the art of defending was the combination of a confident, laid back style, while still being able to match up to any physical challenge and being a tough man-marker.
Now under the ownership of Adam Pearson, City spent big before the start of the 2001/02 season, and to make room for the new signings transfer listed a number of first team players - among them, Theo Whitmore made available for free. However, over pre-season he managed to prove to manager Brian Little that he had overcome his difficulties, was removed from the transfer list, and came off the bench in the opening game of the season to score at Exeter. The following month, Ian Goodison injured himself in a late-night motorcycle accident while in Jamaica, putting himself out of action for over a month. He came back from it though and, along with Whitmore, was offered a new contract. They rejected the new deals, and relations with chairman Adam Pearson broke down before the eventual early termination of their contracts in April 2002.
It was a sorry end to Hull City's "Jamaican dream", but the club were unable to gamble any longer on the pair whose form, availability and off-the-field behaviour was always a worry. They left their marks though, and remain in the record book for the highest number of international appearances while at the club; Whitmore won 28 caps to Goodison's 26, and both played over a hundred times for their country over their whole careers, Goodison often captaining the side.
Whitmore returned to Britain a year later, joining Scottish Premier League side Livingston, while Goodison was signed by his former Hull City manager Brian Little to Tranmere. Having left Livingston, it wasn't long before Whitmore joined them at Prenton Park, and they would make a memorable return to Hull in December 2004 with Rovers. They were, at the time, promotion rivals with City, who were ahead of them only on Goals For in the League One table. In what was set to be a tight match at the KC Stadium, Tranmere lost their goalkeeper John Achterberg and then his replacement Russell Howarth, both to injury, by half time. When the teams returned for the second half, Whitmore was brought on as a substitute for Howarth. For all his great attacking play in a Hull City shirt - particularly against bigger teams in cup competitions - 'Theo' will be remembered just as well for his inadequacy as a goalkeeper, conceding five times as City ran out comfortable 6-1 winners.
Just over a year later, he left Tranmere - this time on good terms - having failed to hold down a first team place. Goodison continues to play for the club, even after Little's departure. |
