Born in Dewsbury, Yorkshire, Lee Goddard began his career with Derbyshire in 2003, departed for Durham in 2007, but returned to Derbyshire at the end of the 2009 season, prompted by Jamie Pipe's retirement. His first-class appearances have been limited thus far - with the presence of Phil Mustard at The Riverside he played just one first-class and three one-day games for the county - but when he has been given a chance in a first XI he has often impressed. During his first stint at Derbyshire, Goddard made a career-best 91 against Surrey and also set a record for the largest total against Derbyshire without conceding a bye when he kept a clean sheet against Essex as they scored 580. At Durham, he smashed a half-century off only 32 balls against Sri Lanka A to reach the fastest first-class fifty by a Durham batsman, one ball quicker than Ian Botham's previous record.

Goddard did not complete his comeback season at Derbyshire, however, leaving early after the decision was taken not to renew his contract. The county suggested that his poor returns in the field and with the bat were behind their decision, as Goddard took 24 catches and averaged 16.50 in eight first-class matches before he left.
Liam Brickhill August 2010