Archie Goodall: 'Forgotten' Derby County player gets headstone

The headstone was unveiled on Sunday

A "forgotten" Derby County footballer left with an unmarked grave now has a headstone thanks to fan donations.

Kal Singh Dhindsa raised more than £1,000 for the headstone at the city's Nottingham Road Cemetery for Archie Goodall, who made 424 appearances for the club.

Dozens attended an unveiling service on Sunday, including the centre-half's great-great-nephew.

Mr Dhindsa said: "It was gut-wrenching to think Archie was forgotten about."

Archie Goodall played more than 400 games for the Rams

Goodall, who also earned 10 caps for Ireland, scored 52 goals for Derby County before leaving in 1903.

He died in November 1929 at the age of 64.

Mr Dhindsa said he was "honoured" to be able to get 53 year-old family member, Brian Goodall, down from Scotland for the service to remember his great-great-uncle.

"The service was brilliant, said Mr Dhindsa, "Myself and my son went to Pride Park to meet Brian Goodall to take him to the cemetery.

"Thanks to AW Lymm of Derby, they offered a free service of their Rolls Royce Phantom to take Brian to the cemetery and back, this is what community trust can do for people."

People in attendance for the service

The service was attended by Rams fans, councillors and Derby County club chaplain, Tony Luke.

"It was brilliant to see all these people that came together to make this happen," said Mr Dhindsa.

"The rain cleared up for us, I even think Steve Bloomer was watching down on us. It was the perfect day and we couldn't believe the sight of this beautiful headstone in the cemetery, where once four years ago, there was just an empty space of grass."

"Brian was so touched, we gave him a plaque to him and his family and I told him to show it off to everyone associated with the Goodalls back in Scotland.

"The Goodall name is honoured in Derby, we just wanted to show our respect and I hope more of their family members, over time, come to Derby to see the headstone and remember their family history."

Kal Singh Dhindsa (left) alongside Brian Goodall (right) at the new headstone

Archie moved to Derby County with his older brother, John