Paul Frank Went (12 October 1949 – 4 January 2017) was an English professional footballer who played as a centre‑half/central defender. Over a fifteen‑year senior career he made 480 league appearances and scored 42 goals for five clubs in the English Football League.
Early life and youth career
Born in Bow, London, Went represented England schoolboys and the England under‑18 national team. He began his football development with Leyton Orient, joining their youth setup in 1964.
Senior club career
| Years | Club | League appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1966–1967 | Leyton Orient | 50 | 5 |
| 1967–1972 | Charlton Athletic | 163 | 15 |
| 1972–1973 | Fulham | 58 | 3 |
| 1973–1976 | Portsmouth | 92 | 5 |
| 1976–1978 | Cardiff City | 72 | 11 |
| 1978–1980 | Leyton Orient | 45 | 3 |
| Total | – | 480 | 42 |
Went made his professional debut for Leyton Orient in 1966, becoming the club’s youngest ever first‑team player. After a season he transferred to Charlton Athletic, where he spent five years and earned a reputation as a reliable defender. Subsequent spells at Fulham, Portsmouth, and Cardiff City saw him contribute both defensively and occasionally as a goal‑scoring defender. He returned to Leyton Orient to finish his playing career in 1980.
International career
Between 1967 and 1968, Went earned ten caps for the England under‑18 side, though he never appeared for the senior national team.
Managerial and coaching work
Following retirement as a player, Went served briefly as assistant manager at Leyton Orient and held a 21‑day tenure as the club’s manager in 1981.
Death
Paul Went died on 4 January 2017 in Chelmsford, England, at the age of 67. The cause of death was reported as a stroke.
Legacy
Went is remembered for his versatility across defensive roles during a period of tactical transition in English football, and for his contributions to several clubs across the Football League. His career totals place him among the notable English defenders of his generation.