Michael Johnston (Welsh footballer) explained

Birth Date:16 December 1987
Currentclub:Bangor 1876
Position:Centre-back, Left back, Right back
Youthyears1:2006–2007
Youthclubs1:Tranmere Rovers U18
Years1:2007–2008
Clubs1:Tranmere Rovers
Years2:2007–2008
Clubs2:Bangor City (loan)
Years3:2008–2015
Clubs3:Bangor City
Caps3:239
Years4:2015–2016
Clubs4:Llandudno
Caps4:15
Years5:2016
Clubs5:Caernarfon Town
Years6:2016–?
Clubs6:Brickfield Rangers
Caps6:5
Years7:2019–
Caps7:3
Goals7:0
Nationalteam1:Wales U17
Nationalteam2:Wales U19
Nationalcaps2:3
Nationalgoals2:0
Manageryears1:2022–
Managerclubs1:Bangor 1876

Michael Johnston (born 16 December 1987) is a Welsh footballer who is player-manager of Bangor 1876. He plays as a defender.

Playing career

Michael Johnston began his career in the Tranmere Rovers youth system, and was a member of the Wales under-17 and under-19 teams.[1] He joined Tranmere's reserve squad in 2007, and was loaned to Bangor City that September. After being voted Bangor City's player of the season, he joined them on a free transfer in April 2008.[1] He remained with the club for eight seasons, winning three Welsh Cups and the Welsh Premier League championship in 2010–2011.[1] [2]

Johnston signed with Llandudno in 2015,[2] where he played mostly at right back.[1] [3] He joined Caernarfon Town in July 2016, and moved to Brickfield Rangers in September.[4]

In 2012, Dave Jones of the Daily Post nominated Johnston for the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award, writing "I cover the Welsh Premier week in, week out and he's one of the best defenders I've seen."[5] In 2016 Jones named him one of the ten best defenders in WPL history.[1]

In June 2019 he signed for Bangor City phoenix club Bangor 1876.[6]

Management career

In February 2022 he was appointed joint manager of Bangor 1876 alongside Mel Jones.[7]

Notes and References

  1. News: Welsh Premier League: 10 Greatest Defenders . Jones . Dave . . 15 March 2016 . 19 June 2017.
  2. News: Welsh Premier League Transfer Round-up: Bangor City legend joins league newcomers . Jones . Dave . . 1 June 2015 . 19 June 2017.
  3. Web site: Welsh Premier League: Llandudno ready for Premier challenge . Williams . Aled . . 21 August 2015 . 19 June 2017.
  4. Web site: Brickfield Rangers Captured the Signing of Caernarfon Town Player . Roberts . Ben . . 17 September 2016 . 19 June 2017.
  5. News: Bangor City striker Les Davies deserves Uefa 'Best Player' nomination says Welsh journalist who backed him . . 17 July 2012 . 19 June 2017.
  6. Web site: Bangor 1876 announce management team and sign les Davies. 22 June 2019.
  7. Web site: Familiar duo take the helm at Bangor 1876. The Bangor Aye . 11 February 2022.