Paul Frank Went, born Bromley-by-Bow, England, October 12, 1949. A fine defender with a career spanning over 15 years, Paul Went played for Orient, Charlton Athletic, Fulham, Portsmouth and Cardiff City.
Paul Went’s professional football career began at Leyton Orient, the club where his talent was first nurtured. From an early age, it was clear that Went had something special. He played for both England schoolboys and the Under-18 youth side, showing a promise that would soon flourish at the senior level. Breaking into the Orient first team in 1966, Went quickly established himself as a key player in the squad. Notably, he became the club’s youngest ever player—a testament to his early maturity and readiness for the game at the highest level. During his time at Leyton Orient, Went played 50 games, leaving a lasting impression with his composed yet commanding defensive performances. His time at Orient set the foundation for what would become a long and accomplished career. Undoubtedly, the experience gained during his formative years at Brisbane Road was crucial in shaping his development as a player. His progression through the ranks at Orient culminated in a transfer to Charlton Athletic in June 1967, marking the beginning of the next chapter of his footballing journey.
At Charlton Athletic, Went found his footing as a defender capable of blending power with intelligence. His five-year stint at The Valley saw him grow into a defensive rock, a player who could anticipate danger and neutralize it with precision. Moreover, Charlton offered Went a platform to hone his leadership skills, making him a vital part of their defensive setup. His presence in the backline provided stability and confidence for the team, and it was during these years that Went truly began to establish himself as one of the top defenders in the league. Charlton was where Went’s reputation as a committed and no-nonsense defender began to take shape. As a result, he attracted the attention of other clubs, and in 1972, Went moved to Fulham. Although his time at Charlton was marked by consistency, the opportunity to move to a higher-profile club was too good to pass up.
Fulham was the next stop on Went’s footballing journey, though his time at Craven Cottage would be relatively short. Despite only spending 18 months with the club, Went made a significant impact on the team. His arrival was part of Fulham’s attempts to solidify their defense, and Went did not disappoint. His experience and composure added a layer of security at the back, but in contrast to his lengthy stays at other clubs, Fulham would only be a stepping stone. Went’s spell at Fulham may not have been long, but it was enough to show his class and versatility. Nevertheless, his next move, to Portsmouth, would offer him a more prominent role and the chance to showcase his abilities in the midst of a club with big ambitions.
Paul Went’s transfer to Portsmouth in 1973 was part of an ambitious rebuilding project led by new chairman John Deacon and manager John Mortimore. The plan was to create a formidable central defensive partnership between Went and Malcolm Manley, but this partnership never fully materialized due to Manley’s injury after only 11 games. Nevertheless, Went flourished at Fratton Park and was voted Player of the Year in his debut season—an accolade that spoke volumes about his consistency and leadership on the pitch. At Portsmouth, Went was not just a player; he was a pillar during turbulent times. The club found itself in a financial crisis, and Went’s departure in 1976 was part of manager Ian St John’s cost-cutting measures. Before leaving, his performances had helped cement his place as a crowd favorite. Went’s resilience in the face of adversity was highlighted by the fact that he played through injuries and performed exceptionally well under difficult circumstances.
Went’s next destination would be Cardiff City, Went found himself stepping into big shoes, replacing Mike England in the heart of the Bluebirds’ defense. Went’s arrival at Ninian Park was greeted with excitement, and the fans quickly took to his commanding presence on the pitch. His commitment was never in doubt, as he famously played through a dislocated shoulder in a crucial relegation decider against Carlisle United, epitomizing his warrior-like attitude. In addition to his role in defense, Went was occasionally utilized as a striker by the cash-strapped Bluebirds, a testament to his versatility. One memorable moment came when he netted a consolation goal against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane in 1977. In particular, this period at Cardiff showcased Went’s ability to adapt to new roles while maintaining his effectiveness on the field. After two eventful years at Cardiff, Went returned to Leyton Orient, the club where it all began. His homecoming marked the final chapter of his playing career, but his time on the pitch was far from over. As his playing days wound down, Went transitioned into a coaching role, eventually serving as assistant manager and enjoying a brief stint as full manager at Brisbane Road.