In the late 1880s, Birmingham and the surrounding region boasted many of the country's strongest football teams.

Aston Villa were one of the new league's 12 founding members and finished as runners-up behind double winners Preston North End.

Villa's cup season ended with an 8–1 defeat by Blackburn Rovers that remained a club record until 2012.

[2][3][4] Goodall's move from Preston North End was the first transfer during a season to be approved by the Football League.

Goodall scored both Villa goals against Wolverhampton Wanderers in a 2 – 1 win at Wellington Road on 24 November 1888.