Fred Goodwin joined Division club Burnley in November 1906. His sole appearance was the only match of the 1906-07 season that regular outside left Albert Smith missed. Between 1906 and 1911, Fred played in non-league football in for Leek, Congleton Town and Macclesfield
In May 1911, he was transferred to Brighton & Hove Albion where he made 63 appearances from 1911 to 1913 scoring 16 goals.