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Jeremy Goss
Jeremy Goss
from Wikipedia

Jeremy Goss (born 11 May 1965) is a football coach and former professional player who played as a midfielder.

Key Information

He is most noted for playing for Norwich City from 1984 to 1996, which saw several seasons in the Premier League as well as featuring in the UEFA Cup. He came to prominence during their successful period in the mid-1990s, and was known for scoring spectacularly but not often, and was noted for his superior volleying skills and high level of stamina. He also played in the Scottish Premier League for Hearts, in the Football League for Colchester United and in non-league football with King's Lynn. Born in Cyprus, he was capped nine times by Wales.

Club career

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Goss attended Pent Valley Secondary School in Folkestone and represented Kent Schools at football. He also played for England Schools at under-18 level. He was a member of Norwich City's FA Youth Cup winning team in 1983. Of his early years at the club, he speaks of having to do the traditional apprentice roles, including getting the sandwiches for the senior players' lunch, adding that, "...if you got it wrong, you got a bollocking.."[3]

Goss, nicknamed "Gossa", a reference to Paul Gascoigne,[4] was mostly a squad or bench player up until the 1990–91 season where he became more regular in the starting lineup. His vastly improving form earned him a callup to the Welsh international team, and the start of the Premier League coincided with Goss's and Norwich's most productive period in the top flight in 1992–93. His stunning volleyed goal against Leeds United at Elland Road in the opening month of the 1993–94 season was voted "Goal of the month" on Match of the Day, and to this day he describes it as technically the best goal he ever scored.[5] Goss scored six league goals during Norwich's first European season.

Goss scored spectacularly, most notably in Norwich City's away win over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Cup in 1993, the first time that an English side had ever beaten Bayern at their home ground; now frequently cited as Norwich's most famous win and goal and he scored again in the 1–1 return leg which put Norwich through to the next round. "There's no doubt Bayern assumed it would be easy."[6]

He also has the distinction of scoring the last goal in front of the terraced Spion Kop at Anfield. He was awarded a testimonial during the 1993–94 season, which fittingly became his most successful season with the club.

Goss remained a regular until Norwich were relegated from the Premiership in the 1994–95 season. Upon Martin O'Neill's appointment as Norwich manager in 1995–96, Goss was initially dropped into the reserves as the new manager was looking to trim the "Premier League" wage bill. He was later recalled and scored a spectacular goal on his return against Derby County.

All told, Goss made 188 league appearances for Norwich, scoring 14 goals. After leaving Norwich in 1996, Goss had spells at Heart of Midlothian and Colchester United before signing for local non-league side King's Lynn. Goss retired from playing in 1999, and then worked for Norwich City as a community ambassador until January 2010, when the post was terminated; Goss declined an alternative role in the club's Football in the Community team.[7]

International career

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Goss made his senior debut for Wales in a 1–0 friendly win over Iceland at Cardiff Arms Park. The last of his nine senior caps for Wales came five years later on 2 June 1996 in a 5–0 win in San Marino at the start of the 1998 World Cup qualifiers. Goss was also on the pitch for one of the most disappointing matches in the history of Welsh international football, on 17 November 1993, when a Paul Bodin penalty miss ended hopes of playing at the 1994 World Cup as Wales lost 2–1 to Romania in their final World Cup qualifying game at Cardiff Arms Park.[8]

Jerry also represented England Schoolboys at Under 18 level before joining Norwich City FC.

Coaching career

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In March 2010, Goss returned to Norwich City to assist reserve team manager Ian Crook.[9]

Personal life

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Goss' wife Margaret gave birth to identical twins, three months premature. "Within two hours of birth their weight had gone down to 2lb and it was touch and go. We lived in the hospital for six weeks and it was an emotional time when we took them home for the first time a few days before Christmas. Now they look like any normal seven-month-old babies and for that we are very grateful."[6]

Goss, whose father having served in the British Army, is also a member of the Forces2Canaries Supporters Group.[citation needed] In 2002, Norwich fans voted Goss into the club's Hall of Fame.[citation needed]

Goss worked with author Edward Couzens-Lake on his life story. Gossy: The Autobiography (Amberley Publishing) which was published in August 2014.[10]

Moving on from his association with Norwich City football club, Goss continues to deliver his own; humorous after dinner speeches, student development and as a Leadership and Motivational programmes.

Goss spent some time in support of the Norfolk and Norwich Association of the Blind (www.NNAB.org.uk), raising funds to provide the range of services to the Blind people of Norwich and Norfolk. This culminated in the 1300 mile sponsored bicycle ride, retracing the 1993 Norwich City European Cup run from Norwich to Vitesse Arnham, to Bayern Munich, to Inter Milan.

In 2019, Jeremy joined Age UK Norwich (www.ageuknorwich.org.uk) as Corporate Relationship Manager, organising golf days, fundraising challenges and corporate events. Age UK Norwich is an independent charity with a mission to improve the quality of later life by working with Norwich residents to create an age friendly and inclusive city where they can thrive and be supported by opportunity and services that enhance and protect their health and wellbeing.

In January 2024, Goss was involved in a car crash in Norfolk. He sustained injuries to his ribs, kidneys, lower back and hip in the crash.[11]

Honours

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  • FA Youth Cup winner 1983

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jeremy Goss (born 11 May 1965) is a Welsh former professional footballer who played primarily as a central midfielder, most notably for Norwich City from 1984 to 1996, where he made 188 league appearances and scored 14 goals. Born in Dhekelia, a British military base in , to Welsh parents, Goss came through Norwich's , winning the in 1983 before making his senior debut in 1984. Goss earned nine caps for the national team between 1991 and 1996, featuring in qualifiers and friendlies without scoring. His career peaked during Norwich's early seasons (1992–1995), where he played 84 matches, scoring nine goals and providing nine assists, including a memorable volley against Leeds United in 1993 that won Goal of the Season and another against at in 1994. In European competition, he scored in both legs of Norwich's 1993–94 tie against Bayern Munich, highlighted by a stunning volley at the , and also netted against . After leaving Norwich as a free agent in 1996, Goss briefly played for Heart of Midlothian in Scotland (10 appearances) and Colchester United in England (loan in 1998), before retiring from playing in 1999. He returned to Norwich in various non-playing roles from 1999 to 2010, including community ambassador, and rejoined the club as an official ambassador in 2019, promoting its legacy and engaging with fans.

Early life

Birth and family background

Jeremy Goss was born on 11 May 1965 in Dhekelia, a British Sovereign Base Area on the island of . He was born to Welsh parents. His father served in the , which accounted for the family's posting in at the time of his birth. The family soon relocated to Folkestone in Kent, England, where Goss spent his childhood. Goss's father, drawing from his army experience, instilled a sense of resilience in his son, often advising, "If you're dead, you've got another 10 per cent," a mindset that influenced Goss's determination in pursuing sports from a young age.

Youth development in football

Goss joined Norwich City's youth academy in 1982 at the age of 17, marking the beginning of his structured development in professional football. Having previously represented England Schoolboys at under-18 level, he quickly adapted to the demands of the club's youth system, which focused on building technical proficiency and physical endurance from an early stage. His progression through the youth teams was highlighted by the 1982-83 season, during which he played a pivotal role in securing a double triumph: the South East Counties League title and the . In the final, defeated Everton 6-5 on aggregate, with Goss featuring prominently in the squad alongside future first-team colleagues like Tony Spearing and Louie Donowa. This victory, the club's only success to date, underscored the effectiveness of 's academy in nurturing competitive talent during the early 1980s. Under youth team manager Dave Stringer, who had taken charge of the setup in 1980, Goss benefited from intensive training regimens that emphasized tactical awareness, ball control, and match preparation. Stringer's approach, which led the team to these achievements, involved regular drills on midfield positioning and stamina-building exercises, helping players like Goss transition from schoolboy football to professional standards. These experiences at Carrow Road's youth facilities were instrumental in refining his abilities before his senior breakthrough. Throughout his youth phase, Goss established himself as a hard-working, competitive , characterized by relentless energy, strong tackling, and a commitment to team play that made him an integral part of the squad's successes. His style, often described as tenacious and industrious, laid the foundation for his later professional attributes, focusing on covering ground effectively and supporting attacks from central areas.

Club career

Norwich City

Jeremy Goss joined Norwich City as a youth player and made his senior debut as a substitute in a 2-1 league defeat away to Coventry City on 12 May 1984. After emerging from the club's successful academy, which had won the in 1983, Goss initially struggled to secure a regular first-team place, spending much of the mid-to-late 1980s in the reserves or as a fringe squad member. His integration into the senior team accelerated from the 1990–91 season onward under manager Mike Walker, where he began featuring more consistently in midfield, transitioning from occasional substitute appearances to a key rotational role by the early 1990s. By the 1992–93 campaign, Goss had established himself as a reliable starter, contributing to Norwich's strong domestic and European efforts during their peak years. Over his full professional spell at Norwich from 1984 to 1996, Goss made 188 league appearances and scored 14 goals. His contributions extended beyond league play, with notable impacts in cup competitions, where his long-range shooting and set-piece ability added dynamism to the midfield. In the 1993–94 UEFA Cup campaign—Norwich's first foray into European competition after finishing third in the inaugural 1992–93 Premier League season—Goss played a pivotal role, helping the team advance to the third round. The standout moment came in the second-round tie against Bayern Munich, widely regarded as one of Norwich's greatest achievements; in the first leg on 19 October 1993 at the Olympiastadion, Goss opened the scoring with a stunning volley from 20 yards in the 12th minute, securing a 2–1 away victory alongside Mark Bowen's header. He followed up in the return leg on 3 November 1993 at Carrow Road, equalizing in the 57th minute with a close-range tap-in to make it 1–1, ensuring a 3–2 aggregate win that propelled Norwich past the German giants. In the third round, Norwich faced Inter Milan, against whom Goss netted a goal, but the team was eliminated from the competition. Domestically, Goss featured prominently in Norwich's competitive 1992–93 Premier League season, where the team challenged for the title early on before settling for a commendable third place, with his goals and assists—including a memorable volley against Leeds United that won Goal of the Season—supporting a fluid attacking setup led by forwards like Chris Sutton. In the following 1993–94 season, he added another iconic strike, a volley against Liverpool at Anfield. Goss's time at Norwich was marked by steady contract progression, signing his first professional deal upon turning pro in 1983 before extending terms to cover the club's era, culminating in a release on a free transfer in 1996 after 13 years with the club. He endured occasional injuries, including minor setbacks that limited his starts in the mid-1990s, but none derailed his overall tenure significantly. Among supporters, Goss became a firm favorite, cherished for his perseverance and iconic moments like the Bayern strikes, which cemented his status as a club legend and earned enduring chants and tributes at .

Heart of Midlothian and later clubs

After leaving Norwich City amid the club's financial difficulties in the summer of 1996, Jeremy Goss signed for Scottish Premier Division side Heart of Midlothian on a free transfer. His time at Tynecastle was hampered by persistent injuries, limiting him to 10 competitive appearances without scoring any goals during the 1996–97 season. Despite the challenges, the move north offered a fresh opportunity following his established career in , though it ultimately proved unsuccessful. In January 1998, Goss returned to on trial with United in the Second Division, securing a short-term contract for the remainder of the 1997–98 season. However, he failed to make any first-team appearances for the U's, as injuries and competition for places kept him on the fringes. Seeking more regular playing time closer to home, Goss dropped into by joining Eastern Division side on a free transfer in March 1999. He made his debut in a 1–0 victory over Bath City three days later and went on to feature in 21 matches during the 1998–99 season, again without finding the net. Goss departed the club in October 1999, citing an inability to fully commit due to personal and professional obligations, effectively marking his retirement from playing at age 34. Excluding his extensive spell at Norwich, Goss's career statistics totaled around 31 appearances and 0 goals across these brief engagements in professional and non-league football.

International career

Wales national team

Jeremy Goss earned nine caps for the Wales national team between 1991 and 1996, operating as a central midfielder without scoring any goals. His debut came on 1 May 1991 in a 1–0 friendly victory over Iceland at Cardiff Arms Park, where he started alongside teammates including Neville Southall in goal and Barry Horne in midfield. Selection for the national side was primarily driven by his impressive form at Norwich City, where he had become a regular starter in the early 1990s, though he struggled to secure a consistent starting role internationally. Goss featured in key matches across multiple qualifying campaigns, often as a substitute providing midfield depth and energy. In the 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, he came off the bench in a 2–0 home win against on 13 October 1993, contributing to a solid defensive display, and again in the decisive 1–2 home defeat to on 17 November 1993, entering in the 53rd minute for and helping link play with ahead of ' equalizer in the 60th minute. That loss ended ' hopes of qualification, despite Goss's efforts to support the attacking transitions alongside stars like , , and . For the qualifiers, he started in a 2–0 home win over on 7 September 1994, helping secure an important group victory. His international involvement tapered off after additional friendly appearances, including a substitute appearance against Poland (0–0 draw away, 29 May 1991) and starts against (1–1 draw away, 29 April 1992) and in a 0–2 friendly loss to on 20 April 1994. Goss's final caps came in 1996 during the qualifiers, substituting in a 5–0 away win over on 2 June, and a 0–2 friendly defeat to on 24 April. The end of his Wales career coincided with his transfer from Norwich City to Heart of Midlothian that summer, after which he received no further call-ups at age 31.

Post-playing career

Coaching roles

Following his retirement from playing in 1999, Goss returned to Norwich City as a part-time coach, working under assistant academy director Dave Stringer to develop players aged 12 to 16, including coaching the under-12 team. He later obtained a B coaching licence to pursue further opportunities in the field. In March 2010, after his community ambassador role at City ended in January of that year, Goss was appointed as an assistant coach to the reserve team manager , leveraging his extensive playing experience at the club to support youth and reserve development. His responsibilities included helping prepare the reserve squad for matches, such as contributing to training ahead of a 1-0 win against Southend United in the Totesport.com league. The position was temporary, with no fixed duration, and aimed to bolster coaching support while first-team staff focused on promotion efforts under manager . Goss's coaching involvement remained limited, as he transitioned to full-time fundraising work for the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind later in 2010, raising over £28,000 in 2011 alone through events like a 1,300-mile charity bike ride retracing Norwich's 1993 UEFA Cup path to Bayern Munich. This shift reflected his preference for roles in community and charity support over sustained professional coaching, despite his qualifications and earlier academy experience.

Ambassador and media activities

After retiring from playing, Jeremy Goss served as Norwich City's community ambassador from 2007 until January 2010, when the position was discontinued as part of club restructuring; in this role, he hosted events at the Gunn Club and engaged with fans to promote community initiatives. In May 2019, Goss returned to the club in an ambassadorial capacity, focusing on promotional activities and representing at events to celebrate its heritage, a role he continues to hold as of 2025. In 2014, Goss published his autobiography, Gossy: The Autobiography, co-authored with Edward Couzens-Lake, which detailed his career , including his iconic goals against Bayern in the campaign. The book emphasized his journey from youth prospect to key midfielder, offering insights into Norwich's European adventures and era. Goss has remained active in media, providing commentary and interviews on Norwich's history, particularly the 1993 Bayern Munich upset; for instance, in 2013, he marked the 20th anniversary with reflections on his match-winning volley during a club video feature. In 2018, he reunited with former teammate for a interview revisiting the 25th anniversary of that victory, highlighting the match's enduring legacy. He has also appeared on BBC Radio Norfolk for extended discussions on his career and club milestones. Post-2010, Goss participated in football heritage events and fan engagements, including a 2011 charity bicycle ride covering 1,300 miles to retrace Norwich's 1993 UEFA Cup path from to the in , raising funds for the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind. In 2021, as an , he contributed to the consultation process for the club's new crest design, sharing perspectives on preserving Norwich's identity for supporters. Since 2021, Goss has served as Corporate Relationship Manager at Norwich, leading fundraising efforts and supporting initiatives for older adults, including health campaigns and corporate partnerships.

Personal life

Family and residence

Jeremy Goss has been married to his wife, , since the early 1990s, and the couple has maintained a long-term residence in , , where they have built their family life. Their home in the region reflects Goss's deep ties to the area, stemming from his extensive playing career with Norwich City and his subsequent community involvement. Goss and are parents to twin sons, and , born prematurely in 1998 while the family was in a transitional phase following Goss's retirement from professional football. The boys, now in their mid-20s, have pursued competitive , achieving national-level success and expressing ambitions for professional careers in the sport. The family's support was instrumental during Goss's career shift after departing Heart of Midlothian in in 1997 and relocating back to , a period marked by financial uncertainty and temporary living arrangements with in-laws. This relocation underscored the role of family dynamics in stabilizing the household amid professional changes. Post-retirement, family priorities have shaped Goss's decisions, favoring roles in that allow proximity and involvement in his sons' activities over distant coaching prospects.

Health challenges and charity involvement

In January 2024, Goss was involved in a serious car crash on the Northern Distributor Road near , sustaining injuries to his , kidneys, lower back, and . He described the incident as feeling like an explosion and noted that he was unable to get out of bed for a week, requiring painkillers during his recovery; by February, he was able to walk independently but continued to experience discomfort. Police investigations into the crash involving multiple vehicles were ongoing as of April 2024. In 2020, Goss pledged to donate his brain for research as part of a study by the and the Alzheimer's Society, which monitors former professional footballers for early signs of neurodegenerative diseases linked to repeated head impacts during play. This commitment stemmed from growing evidence that footballers face elevated risks of brain health decline after age 65, including , due to heading the ball. Goss has been actively involved in charity work supporting health and accessibility causes in Norfolk. From 2010 to 2019, he served as head of fundraising for the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind (NNAB), raising significant funds—such as £28,000 in 2011 alone—through events like a blindfolded half-marathon in 2016 to highlight challenges faced by the visually impaired. More recently, as corporate relations manager for Norwich since around 2023, he has focused on supporting older adults through fundraising for services like independent advice, home support, and health safety programs. These efforts are motivated by Goss's personal health experiences, including the premature birth of his twin sons, Jacob and Joseph, who arrived three months early in 1998, underscoring his commitment to for vulnerable groups.

Honours

Team achievements

Jeremy Goss began his association with Norwich City in their youth setup, contributing to the club's successful 1982–83 campaign that culminated in victory in the . The young Canaries defeated Everton 6–5 on aggregate in the final, marking Norwich's only triumph in the competition to date. During the inaugural 1992–93 season, Goss was a key squad member as Norwich City achieved their highest-ever league finish of third place, earning qualification for European competition for the first time in the club's . The team led the table for much of the campaign before fading late, but their 72 points from 42 matches underscored a remarkable overachievement for a side from . Goss played a pivotal role in Norwich's memorable 1993–94 UEFA Cup run, which saw the club reach the quarter-finals and produce one of the greatest upsets in English football history. In the second round, they eliminated Bayern with a 3–2 aggregate victory, including a famous 2–1 win in the first leg at the Olympiastadion where Goss scored the opener with a stunning volley. Norwich advanced past Vitesse in the first round (3–0 aggregate) before bowing out to (4–2 aggregate) in the last eight, highlighting the team's resilience and Goss's contributions to their European adventure. Throughout the mid-1990s, Goss helped in the , with the club finishing 12th in 1993–94 before being relegated after 20th place in 1994–95. In 1995–96, competing in the , they finished 4th but lost in the promotion playoffs; Goss left the club that summer. His midfield presence provided stability during these transitions in the era.

Individual recognitions

Goss received individual acclaim during his playing career, notably winning the Norwich City Player of the Year award twice, with his second honor coming in 1993 following the club's third-place finish in the inaugural season. His volley against Leeds United on 21 August 1993 was voted Goal of the Month on . His stunning volley against Bayern Munich in the 1993 UEFA Cup has been widely recognized as one of the finest goals in City's history, often described as arguably the most famous strike in the club's records and a defining moment that elevated his reputation as a clutch performer. During his career, Goss was honored with a against on 9 May 1994, which drew significant fan support as a tribute to his service. In acknowledgment of his contributions, Goss was inducted into the Norwich City Hall of Fame in 2002, cementing his status among the club's legends for his loyalty and memorable performances over more than a decade. His 2014 autobiography, Gossy: The Autobiography, co-authored with Edward Couzens-Lake, provides an intimate account of his career highs and personal challenges, enhancing his enduring legacy as a resilient figure in City folklore by sharing insights into the behind-the-scenes aspects of his journey from youth prospect to club icon.

References

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