John Johnson (footballer) explained

John Johnson
Fullname:John James Johnson[1]
Birth Date:16 September 1988
Birth Place:Middlesbrough, England
Position:Centre back
Youthyears1:2005–2008
Youthclubs1:Middlesbrough
Years1:2008–2010
Clubs1:Middlesbrough
Caps1:1
Goals1:0
Years2:2008
Clubs2:→ Tranmere Rovers (loan)
Caps2:4
Goals2:0
Years3:2009–2010
Clubs3:→ Northampton Town (loan)
Caps3:36
Goals3:5
Years4:2010–2013
Clubs4:Northampton Town
Caps4:103
Goals4:8
Years5:2013–2018
Clubs5:Bengaluru FC
Caps5:86
Goals5:4
Years6:2018–2020
Clubs6:ATK
Caps6:18
Goals6:1
Years7:2020–2021
Clubs7:ATK Mohun Bagan
Caps7:0
Goals7:0
Years8:2021–2022
Clubs8:Punjab FC
Caps8:0
Goals8:0
Club-Update:09:51, 12 June 2024 (UTC)

John James Johnson (born 16 September 1988) is an English footballer who plays as a defender. A graduate of the Middlesbrough youth academy, he made his debut for the club against Chelsea. A lack of first team opportunities saw him being loaned to Football League clubs Tranmere Rovers and Northampton Town.

After playing for a season on loan, Northampton signed Johnson on a permanent basis. He was also given club captainship but was replaced in the role after the arrival of Clarke Carlisle. In the 2012–13 season, his appearances for the club were hindered due to a cartilage injury. Johnson then signed for debutant Bengaluru FC in the I-League in India, managed by his former Northampton Town teammate Ashley Westwood. Johnson, along with Kenyan Curtis Osano, became the first foreigners to play for the club. Despite being an English player, he has spent the majority of his professional career playing for Indian clubs such as Bengaluru FC and ATK, in the I-League and Indian Super League.

Career

Middlesbrough

Born in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, Johnson is a product of the Middlesbrough academy which he joined in 2005.[1] [2] He signed a professional contract with Middlesbrough on 15 May 2008 and made his first team debut (and only appearance for the club) on 18 October 2008 in a 5–0 home defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League, coming on as a substitute for Jonathan Grounds in the 54th minute.[1] [3] [4] Later, in an interview in May 2015, Johnson said that his debut had been the "most inspirational moment" of his life.[5] In November 2008, he made a loan move to League One side Tranmere Rovers until the end of the year.[6] He made his debut in a 2–1 victory against Leeds United the following week,[7] but scored an own goal in Tranmere's Football League Trophy northern area semi-final against Scunthorpe United, which gave Scunthorpe a 2–1 victory.[8] He played five games, four in the league, during his loan spell with Tranmere.[9]

Northampton Town

Johnson joined League Two club Northampton Town on a one-month loan in September 2009.[10] He made his debut for the club in a 3–0 loss against Shrewsbury Town and on 3 October 2009, scored the first goal of his professional career, in a 2–2 draw against Bradford City.[11] Having played four games, Johnson said he hoped to help the club back to winning ways.[12] On 22 October 2009, he extended his stay at Northampton until the new year,[13] and scored his first goal on 24 October 2009 in a 4–2 win over Morecambe.[14] The loan was extended until the end of the season in December.[15]

Northampton signed Johnson on a two-year contract in July 2010 following the successful loan spell.[16] After signing for the club on a permanent basis, Johnson's first match was the opening game of the season, in a 3–0 loss against Torquay United. Two months later, he received a straight red card after fouling Simon Clist and lost his appeal, resulting in a one-match ban, missing a 3–1 loss against Oxford United.[17] A week after his suspension, he scored his first goal as a permanent Northampton player in a 2–0 win over Lincoln City. In his first season at Northampton (as a permanent player), he made 41 appearances and scored seven goals.

Johnson was appointed as captain ahead of the 2011–12 season[18] having previously captained the club in a friendly match against Nottingham Forest,[19] but was stripped of the post following the arrival of Clarke Carlisle.[20] Johnson retained his first team place, making 48 appearances and scoring twice in two consecutive games against Morecambe and Southend. During a 3–2 loss against Burton Albion on 26 December 2011, Johnson received a straight red card in the 18th minute, for fouling John McGrath. After the match, the club announced it would appeal against his sending-off.[21] The club won the appeal after The Football Association overturned the decision, therefore making him available to play.[22]

As his contract was due to expire in the summer, Johnson signed a one-year extension with Northampton keeping him at the club until 2013 on 16 May 2012.[23] After signing, manager Aidy Boothroyd said he expected Johnson to realise his full potential in the coming season.[24] However, Johnson suffered a cartilage injury in October 2012 that ruled him out for four to six weeks.[25] He made a return in a 1–1 draw against York City,[26] but his return was short-lived when he came off at half-time and was out until January after undergoing knee surgery.[27] After making his return on 19 January 2013 against AFC Wimbledon in a 1–1 draw, Boothroyd said Johnson made the team tougher and more aggressive.[28] Later in the 2012–13 season, Johnson regained his first team place and the club finished in sixth place, qualifying for the promotion play-offs. Johnson described the team as "the strongest" he had played in.[29] Johnson was an unused substitute in the play-offs as Northampton Town lost 3–0 on aggregate against Bradford City.[30] He was released by Northampton at the end of the season.[31]

Bengaluru FC

On 16 July 2013, Johnson signed for Bengaluru FC of the Indian I-League, and with Curtis Osano, became the first foreigners in the team's history.[32] He made his debut in their first ever I-League match on 22 September against Mohun Bagan, playing the entirety of a 1–1 draw.[33] In their next match against Rangdajied United F.C., he scored his first goal in India, opening a 3–0 victory.[34] He scored his second goal in as many matches on 6 October against United S.C., the only goal of the game.[35] Four days later he netted in his third consecutive match, in the 12th minute of a 2–1 victory against Mohammedan S.C.[36] In the Federation Cup, Johnson played three full matches against Sporting Goa,[37] Rangdajied United[38] and East Bengal.[39] However, Bengaluru could not proceed beyond the group stage.[40] After defeating Dempo on 20 April 2014, the club won the I-League in its debut season.[41] He was also awarded the Best Defender of 2013–14 I-League award.[42]

Johnson kicked off the 2015 season by winning the Federation Cup, defeating Dempo 2–1 in the final.[43] He played in the club's 2–1 defeat against Malayasian club Johor Darul Ta'zim in the preliminary round of 2015 AFC Champions League,[44] receiving a yellow card in the 67th minute.[45]

On 20 June 2016, after helping Bengaluru FC win their second I-League title, Johnson was rewarded with a new two-year contract, keeping him with the club till the end of the 2017–18 season.[46]

ATK FC

On 4 June 2018, it was announced on Twitter that Johnson had joined ATK on a two-year deal.[47] [48]

ATK Mohun Bagan

After the merger of ATK and Mohun Bagan AC, John Johnson stayed with the merged team ATK Mohun Bagan FC. He was as an unregistered player for 2020–21 Indian Super League season.[49] On 31 August 2021, John Johnson mutually terminated his contract with the club.[50]

RoundGlass Punjab

On 1 September 2021, John Johnson joined I-League club RoundGlass Punjab FC ahead of 2021–22 I-League.[51]

Style of play

Though Johnson mainly plays as a centre-back or as a right back, but journalist Arunava Chaudhuri said he is "equally comfortable in defensive midfield."[52] After playing in India, sports website The Hard Tackle described Johnson as "one of the best footballing imports to the country".[53] The website also praised his height as it is "influential in defence as it is from both attacking and defensive set-pieces."[54] He was recognised by BBC as "consistent, a firm fans' favourite and a brave, no nonsense defender."[55]

Career statistics

Club

ClubSeasonLeagueCupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Middlesbrough2008–09Premier League1000—10
Tranmere Rovers (loan)2008–09League One40001050
Northampton Town (loan)2009–10[56] League Two3651010385
Northampton Town2010–11League Two38631—417
2011–12League Two45230—482
2012–13League Two2002020240
Total13913913015114
Bengaluru FC2013–14[57] I-League23330—263
2014–15[58] I-League1916060311
2015–16I-League14000110250
2016–17I-League1205051221
2017–18[59] Indian Super League18040—220
Total8641802211265
Career total2261727126127919

Honours

Bengaluru

ATK

Individual

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Barry J.. Hugman. The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. 2010. Mainstream Publishing. 978-1-84596-601-0. 223 .
  2. News: Boro's busy production line. The Northern Echo. Darlington. 8 January 2013. 3 May 2013. 12 November 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131112180801/http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/10146609.Boro___s_busy_production_line/. live.
  3. News: Ian . Hughes . Middlesbrough 0–5 Chelsea . BBC Sport . 18 October 2008 . 18 October 2008 . 30 March 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090330140945/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7665097.stm . live .
  4. News: Boro need the new boys. Evening Gazette. Middlesbrough. 23 October 2008. 12 March 2013. 12 November 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131112181116/http://borobanter.gazettelive.co.uk/2008/10/boro-need-the-new-boys.html. live.
  5. Web site: Bengaluru FC players Robin Singh and John Johnson on a rapid fire round. The Hindu. 25 May 2015. 17 December 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191217023201/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/movies-messi-mirrors/article7241608.ece. live.
  6. News: Tranmere seal Johnson loan deal . 25 November 2008 . 21 December 2008 . BBC Sport . 4 December 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20081204045154/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tranmere_rovers/7747670.stm . live .
  7. News: Tranmere 2–1 Leeds . 6 December 2008 . 21 December 2008 . BBC Sport . 7 December 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20081207080541/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7752386.stm . live .
  8. News: Moore heartbreak at Trophy defeat . 17 December 2008 . 21 December 2008 . BBC Sport.
  9. Web site: John Johnson . 23 September 2009 . Soccerbase . 3 March 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090303153057/http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=50065 . live .
  10. News: Cobblers bring in Boro defender . BBC Sport . 24 September 2009 . 12 January 2010.
  11. Web site: Northampton Town vs Bradford City. Soccerway. 6 January 2014. 6 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140106163406/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2009/10/03/england/league-two/northampton-town-fc/bradford-city-afc/783527/. live.
  12. News: I'll give 100% on loan – Johnson. BBC Sport. 25 September 2009. 12 March 2013. 1 September 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210901114036/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/n/northampton_town/8274476.stm. live.
  13. News: Cobblers keep Johnson. Sky Sports. 22 October 2009. 12 March 2013. 6 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140106131338/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/5644813/. live.
  14. Web site: Morecombe vs Northampton Town. Soccerway. 7 January 2014. 7 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140107073110/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2009/10/24/england/league-two/morecambe-fc/northampton-town-fc/783561/. live.
  15. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11739_5803846,00.html Cobblers finalise Johnson deal
  16. http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11680/6276545/ Johnson joins Northampton
  17. News: Northampton Town lose John Johnson card appeal. BBC Sport. 26 October 2010. 12 March 2013. 1 September 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210901114037/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/n/northampton_town/9123900.stm. live.
  18. Web site: Northampton's John Johnson signs contract extension. BBC. 23 May 2014. 25 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140125041207/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/18095429. live.
  19. News: Johnson undecided on skipper. Sky Sports. 21 July 2012. 12 March 2013. 7 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140107054101/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11739/7052263/. live.
  20. Web site: Northampton Town's John Johnson to continue as 'leader'. BBC. 23 May 2014. 3 March 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140303102500/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/17204089. live.
  21. News: Cobblers appeal Johnson card. Sky Sports. 28 December 2011. 12 March 2013. 7 April 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160407001619/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11739/7399159. live.
  22. News: Cobblers win Johnson appeal. Sky Sports. 29 December 2011. 12 March 2013. 30 July 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130730234139/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11739/7400645/. live.
  23. News: Johnson joy after new deal. Sky Sports. 16 May 2012. 16 May 2012. 7 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140107054516/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12691/7760754/Johnson-joy-after-new-deal. live.
  24. News: Boss raises bar for Johnson. Sky Sports. 17 May 2012. 12 March 2013. 7 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140107054324/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11739/7762287/. live.
  25. News: Northampton: Luke Guttridge and John Johnson face long absences. BBC Sport. 4 October 2012. 12 March 2013. 1 September 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210901114042/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/19828432. live.
  26. News: York 1–1 Northampton. BBC Sport. 6 November 2012. 12 March 2013. 9 November 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121109073716/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20134273. live.
  27. News: Northampton Town's John Johnson set for knee surgery. BBC Sport. 15 November 2013. 12 March 2013. 1 September 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210901114048/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/20341362. live.
  28. News: John Johnson to 'toughen up' Northampton, says Aidy Boothroyd. BBC Sport. 7 February 2013. 12 March 2013. 1 September 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210901114048/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/21370762. live.
  29. News: John Johnson hails the 'best' Northampton Town team. BBC Sport. 26 April 2013. 17 July 2013. 1 May 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130501020223/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22315097. live.
  30. Web site: Bradford City vs Northampton Town. Soccerway. 14 May 2014. 14 May 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140514210151/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/05/18/england/league-two/bradford-city-afc/northampton-town-fc/1472326/. live.
  31. News: Adebayo Akinfenwa released by Northampton Town. BBC Sport. 21 May 2013. 17 July 2013. 13 June 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130613015612/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22613608. live.
  32. Web site: I-League new entrants JSW Sports signs two England-based players. Sports.NDTV.com. 17 July 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130802061101/http://sports.ndtv.com/football/news/210874-i-league-new-entrants-jsw-sports-signs-two-england-based-players. 2 August 2013. dead.
  33. Web site: Bengaluru VS. Mohun Bagan 1–1. Soccerway. 5 October 2013. 12 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180612201913/https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/09/22/india/i-league/bengaluru/mohun-bagan-ac/1585279/. live.
  34. Web site: Bengaluru VS. Rangdajied United 3–0. Soccerway. 5 October 2013. 3 November 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131103000305/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/09/29/india/i-league/bengaluru/arhima-club/1585286/. live.
  35. Web site: Bengaluru VS.Prayag United 1 – 0. Soccerway. 12 October 2013. 3 November 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131103000322/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/10/06/india/i-league/bengaluru/chirag-united-sc/1585292/. live.
  36. Web site: Bengaluru VS. Mohemmadan 2–1. Soccerway. 12 October 2013. 2 November 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131102184526/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/10/10/india/i-league/bengaluru/mohammedan-sporting-club/1585299/. live.
  37. Web site: Bengaluru FC vs Sporting Goa. Goal. 10 March 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140430045536/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/122931/bengaluru-fc-vs-sporting-clube-de-goa/report?ICID=OP. 30 April 2014 . live.
  38. Web site: Bengaluru FC vs Rangdajied United. Goal. 10 March 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140328053106/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/122934/rangdajied-united-fc-vs-bengaluru-fc/report. 28 March 2014 . live.
  39. Web site: Bengaluru FC vs East Bengal. Goal. 10 March 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140122212544/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/122936/east-bengal-fc-vs-bengaluru-fc/report?ICID=HP_FM_1. 22 January 2014 .
  40. Web site: Five talking points from Federation Cup group stage. Goal. 10 March 2014. 6 June 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140606094741/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1773/federation-cup/2014/01/23/4562722/five-talking-points-from-federation-cup-group-stage?ICID=CP_4136. live.
  41. News: Bengaluru FC crowned champions on I-League debut. Times of India. 21 April 2014 . 15 May 2014. 6 September 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170906190329/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/Bengaluru-FC-crowned-champions-on-I-League-debut/articleshow/34058479.cms. live.
  42. News: Chhetri named I-League's best. The Times of India. 19.
  43. Web site: The Blues win their first Federation Cup. Goal. 12 January 2015. 30 August 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170830072622/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1773/federation-cup/2015/01/11/7856532/dempo-sc-1-2-bengaluru-fc-the-blues-win-their-first. live.
  44. Web site: Bengaluru FC lost their 2015 AFC Champions League Preliminary Round 1 fixture against Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta'zim FC 1–2 on Wednesday.. Chris Punnakkattu Daniel. 5 February 2015. 5 February 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150205100302/http://www.chrispd.de/wordpress/2015/02/04/bengaluru-fcs-afc-champions-league-hopes-come-dramatic-end/. live.
  45. Web site: Johor vs Bengaluru. Soccerway. 5 February 2015. 5 February 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150205113439/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2015/02/04/asia/afc-champions-league/johor-fc/bengaluru/1974481/. live.
  46. News: Johnson signs two-year deal. 20 June 2016. Bengaluru Football Club. 20 June 2016. 28 August 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160828091507/http://www.bengalurufc.com/johnson-signs-two-year-deal-with-bengaluru-fc/. live.
  47. WorldATK. 1003529332097085440. Welcome @John6Johnson to the #ATK family! . 4 June 2018. 4 June 2018.
  48. Web site: 29 March 2018. ISL: ATK sign Bengaluru FC defender John Johnson. Goal. 1 September 2021. 25 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180525152540/http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/isl-atk-sign-bengaluru-fc-john-johnson/lbb35heo9qm91qfjaid9yk2d0. live.
  49. Web site: 3 November 2020. Indian Super League 2020-21 Team Profile: ATK Mohun Bagan. Khelnow. 1 September 2021. 18 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210118165431/https://khelnow.com/football/isl-2020-21-atk-mohun-bagan-season-preview. live.
  50. atkmohunbaganfc . 1432702109514878987 . 31 August 2021 . ATKMohunBagan and John Johnson have mutually parted ways. We wish him the very best in his future endeavours! Thank you John! . 1 September 2021 . 31 August 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210831140553/https://twitter.com/atkmohunbaganfc/status/1432702109514878987 . live .
  51. Web site: 1 August 2021. John Johnson joins RoundGlass Punjab FC – Reunites with Ashley Westwood. halfwayfootball. 1 September 2021. 31 August 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210831084047/https://halfwayfootball.com/i-league-john-johnson-joins-roundglass-punjab-fc/. live.
  52. Web site: JSW Bangalore sign EPL experienced John James Johnson & Curtis Osano. Arunfoot. 7 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140107083656/http://arunfoot.blogspot.in/2013/07/jsw-bangalore-sign-epl-experienced-john.html. 7 January 2014. dead.
  53. Web site: Bengaluru FC – Johnson, Beikhokhei And Others Driving Westwood's Men Forward. 18 October 2013 . The Hard Tackle. 7 January 2014. 7 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140107090441/http://www.thehardtackle.com/2013/johnson-beikhokhei-rooney-and-others-driving-bengaluru-fc-towards-glory/. live.
  54. Web site: Bengaluru FC : Adding EPL Flavor To I-League. 24 July 2013 . The Hard Tackle. 7 January 2014. 7 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140107092401/http://www.thehardtackle.com/2013/bengaluru-fc-foreign-recruits-adding-the-epl-flavor-to-i-league/. live.
  55. News: Northampton Town defender John Johnson has signed a one-year contract extension at the club, with an option for a further year.. BBC Sport . 7 January 2014. 25 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140125041207/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/18095429. live.
  56. Web site: John Johnson career stats 2009–10. Soccerbase. 21 October 2013. 21 October 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131021084157/http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=52397. live.
  57. Web site: John Johnson career stats. Goal. https://web.archive.org/web/20140502061309/http://www.goal.com/en-india/people/england/24352/john-johnson?ICID=CP_4136 . 2 May 2014.
  58. Web site: John Johnson profile. Soccerway. 24 January 2015. 14 March 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150314015754/http://int.soccerway.com/players/john-johnson/47952/. live.
  59. Web site: John Johnson. Flash Score. 27 April 2018. 28 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180428012114/https://www.flashscore.in/player/johnson-john/z1Z5xTjQ/. live.

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