I was playing for North Ormesby on a Saturday and the Seven Stars (Guisborough) on a Sunday. I was just about to sign for Billingham when Neil Hodgson rang me and said “Please don’t sign for anyone as Scaifey wants you at Whitby.”

Clearly I was so excited at this news! Bobby had watched me play that weekend and I signed the day after Hodgy rang me!

As I lived in Guisborough, I knew a little [about WTFC] but not too much. When Neil signed there, my interest grew, but I always knew they recruited from the Middlesbrough area as Bobby knew almost everyone! All I had heard was good things and the manager looked after people.

I was so nervous. I was 18-years-old and we had a training game. Bobby played centre-forward against me and totally bullied me (kicked/pushed/outmuscled me) which was so good as he started preparing me for men’s football.

My first game was coming off the bench with 15 minutes to go (not sure who against) and I was shaking- as nervous as I have ever been. Bobby said “Goochy- you ready? And I replied confidently: “of course, boss!"

He then said - “centre midfield - don’t stop running and tackling and enjoy it."

I loved every minute, even though I touched the ball 3-4 times!

I remember saving two penalties v Scarborough in the North Riding Cup. Ahhhhh what a crowd- it was amazing. I then played in goal the full game v Colwyn Bay away. [As well as centre half], I also played full-back, midfield and centre-forward.

It was a huge step up and I learned quickly from Bobby and the lads as they were so good as well as experienced. It was a superb environment for me to learn and I spent year 1 getting better and watching mostly from the bench.

Part two of David Goodchild's interview will be available tomorrow.