Background
Godwin was born in Blackburn and began his career with local side Blackburn Rovers.
Godwin was born in Blackburn and began his career with local side Blackburn Rovers.
He scored six goals in two seasons at Ewood Park and joined Manchester City in the summer of 1948. He scored three goals in eight matches for Manitoba City before joining Stoke City whose manager Bob McGrory saw Godwin as the answer to Stoke"s goalscoring problem in 1949-1950. However, despite scoring on his debut Godwin was poor and scored just once more in the next 20 matches and by January he was used as a part exchange with Third Division Mansfield Town for Harry Oscroft.
Godwin then became a journeyman striker spending short spells at Middlesbrough, Grimsby Town, Brentford, Southport, Barrow and finally Tranmere Rovers.
After retiring from football, Godwin worked during the summer for 36 years as a lifeguard on Southport beach. He was award the British Empire Medal in recognition for his service.