Worksop Town have made their first signing of the summer with experienced centre-back Bailey Gooda joining the club following his departure from Scarborough Athletic.
The 28-year-old, who captained Barnsley’s U21s and made over 200 appearances for Scarborough, brings significant National League North pedigree to the Tigers’ defence.
Gooda Signs as Worksop Build for Next Step
Manager Craig Parry was quick to praise the defender’s qualities, describing Gooda as “a leader” and someone who fits the club’s blueprint heading into the 2025/26 campaign. The former Matlock Town and Harrogate man arrives at a time of continued upward momentum for Worksop, who secured promotion to the National League North earlier this year.
“Bailey is a player I’ve admired for years and watched from afar,” said Parry.
“He’s in his peak years, has a wealth of experience at this level, and he can defend properly — that’s crucial. The players I look at have to be leaders, and he absolutely is.”
Gooda began his career at Barnsley aged 11, spending eight years at the club before joining Harrogate Town. After a successful loan spell at Scarborough Athletic, he signed permanently in 2018 and has since played for Hyde United and Matlock Town, returning to Scarborough in 2021 where he became a key figure in their backline.
Success on the Field
Worksop finished second in the Northern Premier League, eight points clear of Stockton, but a whopping 26 behind winners Macclesfield Town. That earned them a stab at the play-offs, where Jordan Burrow was the hero. He grabbed a 76th-minute winner against Ashton in ther semi-finals, and then helped himself to a brace as Guiseley were defeated in the final at Sandy Lane.
That means Worksop will join the likes of Chester City and Darlington in the National League North, a level they were among the founder members of back in 2004. Due to a rather bottom-heavy division, they’ll also face sides such as Peterborough Sports, Bedford and Oxford City.
Writer’s View
This is a smart and strategic start to the summer for Worksop Town. Bailey Gooda’s arrival gives the first team an immediate boost in defensive leadership and experience at National League North level. Meanwhile, the restructuring of the U21 setup signals a clear commitment to long-term development.
By reinforcing both ends of the footballing ladder — senior squad and youth — Worksop are not just preparing for survival in a tougher division, but building a structure capable of sustaining success. It’s a comprehensive and promising approach as the club continues its climb up the non-league pyramid.
