Dog Attacks Goalkeeper And Ends His Career

There have been many strange injuries over the years that have sidelined footballers. From dropping bottles of aftershave on exposed feet to pulling muscles reaching for the TV remote control. However, there is one injury that had disastrous repercussions for the player involved. It was in October 1970 – the day a dog attacks a goalkeeper and ends his career in the process.

Brodie started his career at Manchester City playing deputy to the legendary Bert Trautmann. In the four years at Maine Road, he never made a first-team appearance.

Dog Attacks Goalkeeper

To gain first-team experience Brodie dropped down the leagues. Stints with Gillingham and Aldershot followed. At Aldershot, he made over 100 appearances for the club before Wolves obtained his services in February 1961. Brodie joined for a then-club record £9,000. His time at Wolves was not a memorable one. And after just one appearance he was once again on the move. This time to Northampton Town in the Third Division.

Brodie played regularly for the club for just over two years. During this time he won a Third Division championship medal during the 1962–63 season. He departed the County Ground in November 1963, having made 97 appearances for the Cobblers.

London’s Calling

Brodie’s final port-of-call was in London with Brentford City. Despite joining and taking over the No.1 jersey from stalwart Gerry Cakebread he was always under pressure from Gordon Phillips. Who eventually replaced Brodie in 1966.

It wasn’t until 1970 that Brodie cemented the No 1 spot for himself. However, on 27th November 1970, his world would come crashing down in bizarre circumstances.

During an away match against Colchester United, a dog ran onto the pitch. With the match in full flow, the dog ran around the pitch chasing the ball without luck. The ball made its way back to the hapless Brodie and as he took delivery the dog ran and launched itself straight into his left knee. It’s not very often that a game stops because a dog attacks a goalkeeper.

Brodie crumbled to the ground in agony. The crowd unsympathetically cheered at the time not knowing the full extent of the injury caused by the dog. Brodie had seriously damaged knee ligaments.

Rampaging Dog Ends Chic Brodie’s Career

Though he managed 5 more appearances for Brentford the injury sustained from the dog was serious. Enough to end his professional career.

Brodie departed at the end of the season after making 224 appearances for Brentford in the eight seasons he was at the club.