Lost bet had sting in tail for Goater
Tomiko Goater, the Dandy Town midfielder, has made a flying start to the new season.
The cousin of Shaun Goater has bagged three goals in Hornets’ first two outings, including a brace against Boulevard in the Dudley Eve Trophy last weekend.
But rather than get ahead of himself, Goater chooses instead to keep his feet planted firmly on the ground.
“I haven’t done anything yet and it’s only two games,” the 20-year-old said.
“I prefer to stay grounded and try to keep improving, that’s just how I am.”
Goater opened his account in Hornets’ Charity Cup win over Robin Hood and scored two more against Boulevard to secure his team’s safe passage to the semi-finals of the Dudley Eve Trophy.
Although he is encouraged by his early-season performances, Goater said there is room for improvement.
“I can be better, much better,” he said. “I’m looking to get better as I go along and keep striving to be great.”
Playing in his first full season in the top flight, Goater scored 15 goals in all competitions to underline his potential and appears to have immediately picked up where he left off.
He has a natural instinct for the back of the net, a skill which does not come as a total surprise considering he once wore the No 9 jersey.
“I actually started off as a striker and then went to a centre midfielder to a central attacking midfielder,” Goater said.
“It’s been a smooth transition and I’m enjoying my new role.”
Goater’s flourishing career started at PHC Zebras before he joined Town where he continues to develop his skills.
“I played with PHC from Pee-wees up to 10-11 and then I went to the Dandy Town Under-16s, and then to the Premier Division.”
Goater moved to Town not by choice, but rather by losing a friendly bet.
“I had a little bet and lost, and that’s what made me come to Dandy Town and I have been there since,” Goater said.
“The bet was that if Town beat us [PHC] then I would come to Dandy Town, and that’s what happened.
“I don’t remember too much about my time at PHC, that seems like a long time ago now. But the vibes at PHC were cool and I still keep in touch with a couple of the guys I played with there.”
Goater will come up against his former club when the two sides meet in their final Dudley Eve Trophy group A match at Police Field on Sunday.
Even though his career in the top flight is in its infancy, Goater has already won multiple honours, including two league titles.
“I’m content playing for Town,” he said. “It’s my club now and they have treated me like family over the years.
“At Town it’s not about any individual but rather team. It’s a team effort and that is our approach this season.”
With a cousin who made his mark in professional football in England, Goater does not have to look far for inspiration or advice.
“I’m very proud of my cousin Shaun’s achievement,” Goater said.
“He has helped paved the way for Bermudian footballers.
“But I have to make my own name, and that’s what I am trying to do.”
Goater has not ruled out pursuing a professional career.
“I have thought about it,” Goater said. “I’m not one hundred per cent sure, but I have thought about it.”