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{{Short description|English footballer (1951–2022)}}
{{Other people|David Johnson}}
{{for|other footballers named David Johnson|David Johnson (disambiguation)#Association football{{!}}David Johnson § Association football}}
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{{short description|English footballer}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2013}}
{{More footnotes needed|date=October 2010}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2013}}
{{EngvarB|date=November 2022}}
{{More footnotes|date=October 2010}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Infobox football biography
{{Infobox football biography
| name = David Johnson
| name = David Johnson
| image =
| image =
| fullname = David Edward Johnson
| fullname = David Edward Johnson
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1951|10|23}}
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=y|1951|10|23}}
| birth_place = [[Liverpool]], England
| birth_place = [[Liverpool]], England
| death_date = {{death date and age|2022|11|23|df=y|1951|10|23}}
| height =
| height =
| position = [[Striker (association football)|Striker]]
| position = [[Forward (association football)|Forward]]
| youthyears1 = 1967–1969
| youthyears1 = 1967–1969
| youthclubs1 = [[Everton Academy|Everton]]
| youthclubs1 = [[Everton Academy|Everton]]
| years1 = 1969–1972
| years1 = 1969–1972
| years2 = 1972–1976
| years2 = 1972–1976
Line 23: Line 24:
| years8 = 1984–1985
| years8 = 1984–1985
| years9 = 1985–1986
| years9 = 1985–1986
| years10=
| years10 =
| clubs1 = [[Everton F.C.|Everton]]
| clubs1 = [[Everton F.C.|Everton]]
| clubs2 = [[Ipswich Town F.C.|Ipswich Town]]
| clubs2 = [[Ipswich Town F.C.|Ipswich Town]]
| clubs3 = [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]]
| clubs3 = [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]]
| clubs4 = [[Everton F.C.|Everton]]
| clubs4 = [[Everton F.C.|Everton]]
| clubs5 = → [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]] (loan)
| clubs5 = → [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]] (loan)
| clubs6 = [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]
| clubs6 = [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]
| clubs7 = [[Tulsa Roughnecks (1978–84)|Tulsa Roughnecks]]
| clubs7 = [[Tulsa Roughnecks (1978–84)|Tulsa Roughnecks]]
| clubs8 = [[Preston North End F.C.|Preston North End]]
| clubs8 = [[Preston North End F.C.|Preston North End]]
| clubs9 = [[Barrow A.F.C.|Barrow]]
| clubs9 = [[Barrow A.F.C.|Barrow]]
| clubs10= [[Naxxar Lions F.C.|Naxxar Lions]]
| clubs10 = [[Naxxar Lions F.C.|Naxxar Lions]]
| caps1 = 49
| caps1 = 49
| caps2 = 136
| caps2 = 136
| caps3 = 148
| caps3 = 148
| caps4 = 40
| caps4 = 40
| caps5 = 4
| caps5 = 4
| caps6 = 6
| caps6 = 6
| caps7 = 17
| caps7 = 17
| caps8 = 24
| caps8 = 24
| goals1 = 11
| goals1 = 11
| goals2 = 35
| goals2 = 35
| goals3 = 55
| goals3 = 55
| goals4 = 4
| goals4 = 4
| goals5 = 1
| goals5 = 1
| goals6 = 1
| goals6 = 1
| goals7 = 4
| goals7 = 4
| goals8 = 3
| goals8 = 3
| totalcaps = 424
⚫
| nationalyears1 = 1975–1980
| totalgoals = 114
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| nationalteam1 = [[England national football team|England]]
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| nationalyears1 = 1975–1980
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| nationalcaps1 = 8
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| nationalteam1 = [[England national football team|England]]
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| nationalgoals1 = 6
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| nationalcaps1 = 8
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| nationalgoals1 = 6
| manageryears1 = 1985–1986
| manageryears1 = 1985–1986
| managerclubs1 = [[Barrow A.F.C.|Barrow]]
| managerclubs1 = [[Barrow A.F.C.|Barrow]]
}}
}}
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'''David Edward Johnson''' (born 23 October 1951 in [[Liverpool]], England) is a retired footballer who played as a forward and won major trophies for [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] in the 1970s and 1980s. He also played for [[Ipswich Town]], [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] and other clubs,<ref name=nb>[http://www.neilbrown.newcastlefans.com/player/davidjohnson.html David Johnson on Post War English & Scottish Football League A - Z Player's Transfer Database profile]</ref> as well as the [[England national football team|England national team]].


⚫
'''David Edward Johnson''' (23 October 1951 – 23 November 2022) was an English professional [[association football|footballer]] and manager who played as a [[forward (association football)|forward]] and won major trophies for [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] in the 1970s and 1980s. He also played for [[Ipswich Town]], [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] and other clubs,<ref name=nb>[http://www.neilbrown.newcastlefans.com/player/davidjohnson.html David Johnson on Post War English & Scottish Football League A–Z Player's Transfer Database profile]</ref> as well as the [[England national football team|England national team]].
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==Everton==


==Career==

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===Everton===
Johnson signed for Liverpool rivals [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] as a youngster and after showing his ability in early matches, Liverpool manager [[Bill Shankly]] pestered Everton counterpart [[Harry Catterick]] to sell the young striker, but was rebuffed.
Johnson signed for Liverpool rivals [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] as a youngster and after showing his ability in early matches, Liverpool manager [[Bill Shankly]] pestered Everton counterpart [[Harry Catterick]] to sell the young striker, but was rebuffed.


Johnson made his Everton debut as a 19-year-old on 8 January 1971 in a 2–2 league draw with [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]] at [[Turf Moor]]. Later on in 1971 Johnson scored in a [[Merseyside derby]] game for Everton.
Johnson made his Everton debut as a 19-year-old on 8 January 1971 in a 2–2 league draw with [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]] at [[Turf Moor]]. Later on in 1971 Johnson scored in a [[Merseyside derby]] game for Everton.


==Ipswich Town==
===Ipswich Town===
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Johnson joined [[Bobby Robson]]'s [[Ipswich Town F.C.|Ipswich Town]] in the November 1972 swapping for Ipswich's top goalscorer, [[Rod Belfitt]] (and [[£]]40,000). He made his Ipswich debut on 4 November 1972 at Portman Road in a 2–2 draw with [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]]. His first goal for the club came on 2 December the same year in the 1–1 draw with [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] at [[Maine Road]]. By the end of his first season Johnson had helped Ipswich to the [[Texaco Cup]] final where they met East Anglian derby rivals [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]]. After the two legged final Ipswich emerged victorious, winning 4–2 on aggregate by winning both legs 2–1.

⚫
Johnson joined [[Bobby Robson]]'s [[Ipswich Town F.C.|Ipswich Town]] in the November 1972 swapping for Ipswich's top goalscorer, [[Rod Belfitt]] and [[£]]40,000). He made his Ipswich debut on 4 November 1972 at Portman Road in a 2–2 draw with [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]]. His first goal for the club came on 2 December the same year in the 1–1 draw with [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] at [[Maine Road]]. By the end of his first season Johnson had helped Ipswich to the [[Texaco Cup]] final where they met East Anglian derby rivals [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]]. After the two legged final Ipswich emerged victorious, winning 4–2 on aggregate by winning both legs 2–1.


The following season Ipswich drew Spanish giants [[Real Madrid]] in the first round of the [[UEFA Cup]]. Ipswich beat their illustrious counterparts by a goal to nil at home and held Real to a goalless draw at the [[Santiago Bernabéu Stadium|Bernabéu]] in front of 80,000 supporters. In the next round Italian side [[S.S. Lazio]]. 4–0 down with just 20 minutes remaining, Johnson had the ball when [[Giancarlo Oddi]] went to close him down. Oddi then put in a waist high challenge which left Johnson in a heap on the ground holding his groin. Johnson had to be stretchered off and missed the following three fixtures as a consequence.
The following season Ipswich drew Spanish giants [[Real Madrid]] in the first round of the [[UEFA Cup]]. Ipswich beat their illustrious counterparts by a goal to nil at home and held Real to a goalless draw at the [[Santiago Bernabéu Stadium|Bernabéu]] in front of 80,000 supporters. In the next round Italian side [[S.S. Lazio]]. 4–0 down with just 20 minutes remaining, Johnson had the ball when [[Giancarlo Oddi]] went to close him down. Oddi then put in a waist high challenge which left Johnson in a heap on the ground holding his groin. Johnson had to be stretchered off and missed the following three fixtures as a consequence.


Johnson returned from the injury for the return leg in Rome and took up his place on the bench. He watched as Lazio scored early and then again before half-time. A penalty was despatched by [[Colin Viljoen]] for Ipswich. Lazio then scored two more goals to put the tie back in the balance. In the 88th minute with the score 5–4 on aggregate, Robson turned to Johnson. With virtually his first touch he scored the goal that would finally settle the tie in Ipswich's favour. Ipswich beat Dutch side [[FC Twente]] in the next round but went out in the quarter finals to [[East Germany|East German]] side [[VfB Leipzig|Locomotiv Leipzig]] 4–3 on penalties after the sides had drawn 1–1 during normal and extra time.
Johnson returned from the injury for the return leg in Rome and took up his place on the bench. He watched as Lazio scored early and then again before half-time. A penalty was despatched by [[Colin Viljoen]] for Ipswich. Lazio then scored two more goals to put the tie back in the balance. In the 88th minute with the score 5–4 on aggregate, Robson turned to Johnson. With virtually his first touch he scored the goal that would finally settle the tie in Ipswich's favour. Ipswich beat Dutch side [[FC Twente]] in the next round but went out in the quarter-finals to [[East Germany|East German]] side [[VfB Leipzig|Locomotiv Leipzig]] 4–3 on penalties after the sides had drawn 1–1 during normal and extra time.


He scored 35 goals in his four seasons at the club as a battling, play-linking forward forging a productive partnership with [[Trevor Whymark]]. It was during his time at Ipswich that Johnson was called up by [[Don Revie]] for his first cap for [[England national football team|England]]. He made his debut in a [[British Home Championship]] match at [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley]] on 21 May 1975. [[Wales national football team|Wales]] were the visitors with the game ending 2–2 with Johnson scoring both the goals. He also scored twice in a 3–1 victory over world champions [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]] at Wembley, a game which saw the first appearance in England of [[Diego Maradona]]. Johnson was in [[Ron Greenwood]]'s squad for the [[1980 European Football Championship|1980 European Championship]]s but found himself behind [[Gary Birtles]] and the man that replaced him at Ipswich [[Paul Mariner]]. He won eight caps scoring six times in those appearances.
Johnson scored 35 goals in his four seasons at the club as a battling, play-linking forward forging a productive partnership with [[Trevor Whymark]]. It was during his time at Ipswich that Johnson was called up by [[Don Revie]] for his first cap for [[England national football team|England]]. He made his debut in a [[British Home Championship]] match at [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley]] on 21 May 1975. [[Wales national football team|Wales]] were the visitors with the game ending 2–2 with Johnson scoring both the goals. He also scored twice in a 3–1 victory over world champions [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]] at Wembley, a game which saw the first appearance in England of [[Diego Maradona]]. Johnson was in [[Ron Greenwood]]'s squad for the [[1980 European Football Championship|1980 European Championship]]s but found himself behind [[Garry Birtles]] and the man that replaced him at Ipswich [[Paul Mariner]]. He won eight caps scoring six times in those appearances.


In 1976 [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] put in an unsuccessful bid for around [[£]]200,000 for Johnson did not want to move. However, after 137 league appearances for Ipswich he returned to Merseyside.
In 1976 [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] put in an unsuccessful bid for around [[£]]200,000 for Johnson did not want to move. However, after 137 league appearances for Ipswich he returned to Merseyside.


==Liverpool==
===Liverpool===

Johnson signed for Liverpool for a club record fee of £200,000.<ref>{{citation|work=[[Ipswich Town F.C.]] v [[Sheffield United F.C.]] programme|date=22 November 2003|page=21|title=1976/77 step back in time}}</ref> He made his debut for the club on 21 August 1976 in a 1–0 league win over Norwich at Anfield. He scored his first goal a week later on the 28th, but his goal was not enough to prevent [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] beating Liverpool 2–1 at St Andrews.
Johnson signed for Liverpool for a club record fee of £200,000.<ref>{{citation|work=[[Ipswich Town F.C.]] v [[Sheffield United F.C.]] programme|date=22 November 2003|page=21|title=1976/77 step back in time}}</ref> He made his debut for the club on 21 August 1976 in a 1–0 league win over Norwich at Anfield. He scored his first goal a week later on the 28th, but his goal was not enough to prevent [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] beating Liverpool 2–1 at St Andrews.


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For the [[1977 European Cup Final|1977 European Cup final]] against [[Borussia Mönchengladbach]] in Rome three days later, manager [[Bob Paisley]] kept the team that had ended the match at Wembley, so Callaghan started and Johnson was on the bench. He picked up a medal as Liverpool won 3–1.
For the [[1977 European Cup Final|1977 European Cup final]] against [[Borussia Mönchengladbach]] in Rome three days later, manager [[Bob Paisley]] kept the team that had ended the match at Wembley, so Callaghan started and Johnson was on the bench. He picked up a medal as Liverpool won 3–1.


In April 1978, Johnson scored for Liverpool in the [[Merseyside derby]] at [[Goodison Park]] – becoming the very first player to score for both clubs in the Merseyside derby.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2008/09/david-johnson-i-lived-the-drea.html |title=David Johnson: I lived the dream with derby winners for Liverpool and Everton |author=James Pearce |work=Liverpool Banter |publisher=Liverpool Echo & Daily Post |date=25 September 2008 |access-date=18 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511001044/http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2008/09/david-johnson-i-lived-the-drea.html |archive-date=11 May 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> As of 2018, only one other player – [[Peter Beardsley]] – has achieved this feat since.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/archive/Peter-Beardsley-article927.html.htm |title=Archive: Peter Beardsley |work=Mirror Football |publisher=Trinity Mirror |access-date=18 October 2010}}</ref>
In April 1978, Johnson scored for Liverpool in the [[Merseyside derby]] at [[Goodison Park]] – becoming the very first player to score for both clubs in the Merseyside derby.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2008/09/david-johnson-i-lived-the-drea.html |title=David Johnson: I lived the dream with derby winners for Liverpool and Everton |author=James Pearce |work=Liverpool Banter |publisher=Liverpool Echo & Daily Post |date=25 September 2008 |access-date=18 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511001044/http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2008/09/david-johnson-i-lived-the-drea.html |archive-date=11 May 2011 }}</ref> As of 2018, only one other player – [[Peter Beardsley]] – has achieved this feat since.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/archive/Peter-Beardsley-article927.html.htm |title=Archive: Peter Beardsley |work=Mirror Football|access-date=18 October 2010}}</ref>


In 1979 and 1980 Johnson was a free-scoring centre forward as Liverpool regained and then retained the title, and in [[1981 European Cup Final|1981]] he played as Liverpool won their third European Cup (against Real Madrid in the final) and their first League Cup (against [[West Ham United]]). However, a sign of things to come was in that first League Cup success. After the first game at Wembley ended 1–1, Johnson was on the bench for the replay due to Paisley's decision to try out the young [[Ian Rush]]. Rush never scored but played well and the following year he was the regular partner to [[Kenny Dalglish]] with Johnson being used less frequently.
In 1979 and 1980 Johnson was a free-scoring centre forward as Liverpool regained and then retained the title, and in [[1981 European Cup Final|1981]] he played as Liverpool won their third European Cup (against Real Madrid in the final) and their first League Cup (against [[West Ham United]]). However, a sign of things to come was in that first League Cup success. After the first game at Wembley ended 1–1, Johnson was on the bench for the replay because of Paisley's decision to try out the young [[Ian Rush]]. Rush did not score but played well, and the following year he was the regular partner to [[Kenny Dalglish]] with Johnson being used less frequently.


Johnson did enough to win a final league championship medal in 1982 and also won the League Cup again, after getting the substitute's jersey for the final (against [[Tottenham Hotspur]]).
Johnson did enough to win a final league championship medal in 1982 and also won the League Cup again, after getting the substitute's jersey for the final (against [[Tottenham Hotspur]]).


==Return to Everton and loan to Barnsley==
===Return to Everton and loan to Barnsley===
⚫
Johnson returned to Everton in August 1982 for £100,000. He did not see out his second season at Goodison after initially being loaned to [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]].


===Later career===
⚫
He returned to Everton in August 1982 for £100,000. He did not see out his second season at Goodison after initially being loaned to [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]].
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Johnson ended the 1983–84 season at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] before spending the summer at American side [[Tulsa Roughnecks (1978–84)|Tulsa Roughnecks]] in the [[North American Soccer League (1968–84)|NASL]]. His last season of senior football was played at [[Preston North End]]. He then had a spell as player manager at [[Barrow AFC]].


==Later playing career==
==After playing==
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Johnson worked at Anfield, hosting in the corporate lounges. He could also be heard regularly on [[BBC Radio Merseyside]] as both a match summariser and also a regular contributor to the station's ''Red Alert'' programme aired on Fridays at 7.30 pm where he provided what was known during the show as "The Doc's Diagnosis".


Johnson died of throat cancer on 23 November 2022, at the age of 71.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Chris Bascombe |title=David Johnson, former Liverpool and Everton striker, dies aged 71|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2022/11/23/david-johnson-former-liverpool-everton-striker-dead-aged-71/ |website=The Telegraph |access-date=23 November 2022 |date=23 November 2022}} {{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=David Johnson obituary |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/david-johnson-obituary-lz665vhqx |access-date=25 November 2022 |work=The Times |date=25 November 2022}}</ref>
⚫
He ended the 1983-84 season at [[Manchester City]] before spending the summer at American side [[Tulsa Roughnecks (1978–84)|Tulsa Roughnecks]] in the [[North American Soccer League (1968–84)|NASL]]. His last season of senior football was played at [[Preston North End]]. He then had a spell as player manager at [[Barrow AFC]].

==After playing==
⚫
He currently works at Anfield, hosting in the corporate lounges. He can also be heard regularly on [[BBC Radio Merseyside]] as both a match summariser and also a regular contributor to the station's ''Red Alert'' programme aired on Fridays at 7.30 pm where he provides what is known during the show as "The Doc's Diagnosis".


==Honours==
==Honours==
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==External links==
==External links==
* {{UEFA player}}
*[http://www.lfchistory.net/player_profile.asp?player_id=334 Player profile at LFChistory.net]
* [http://www.lfchistory.net/player_profile.asp?player_id=334 Player profile at LFChistory.net]
*[http://www.englandfootballonline.com/TeamPlyrsBios/PlayersIJ/BioJohnsonDE.html England Record]
* {{England Football Online}}
⚫
*[http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=5808 Everton appearances 1968/69-1972/73 & 1982/83-1983/84 at Sporting heroes.net]
*[http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=1193 Ipswich Town biography part 1 1972–74 at Sporting-heroes.net]
* [http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=5808 Everton appearances 1968/69-1972/73 & 1982/83-1983/84 at Sporting heroes.net]
*[http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=9869 Ipswich Town biography part 2 1974–76 at Sporting-heroes.net]
* [http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=1193 Ipswich Town biography part 1 1972–74 at Sporting-heroes.net]
*[http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=1194 Liverpool appearances Part 1 1976/77-1978/79 at Sporting heroes.net]
* [http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=9869 Ipswich Town biography part 2 1974–76 at Sporting-heroes.net]
*[http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=1195 Liverpool appearances Part 1 1979/80-1981/82 at Sporting heroes.net]
* [http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=1194 Liverpool appearances Part 1 1976/77-1978/79 at Sporting heroes.net]
*[http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_international.asp?HeroID=7524 England biography 1975–80 at Sporting-heroes.net]
* [http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=1195 Liverpool appearances Part 1 1979/80-1981/82 at Sporting heroes.net]
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* [http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_international.asp?HeroID=7524 England biography 1975–80 at Sporting-heroes.net]


{{1979–80 Football League First Division PFA Team of the Year}}
{{1979–80 Football League First Division PFA Team of the Year}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Johnson, David}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Johnson, David}}
[[Category:1951 births]]
[[Category:1951 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:2022 deaths]]
[[Category:English footballers]]
[[Category:Deaths from throat cancer]]
[[Category:English expatriate footballers]]
[[Category:English men's footballers]]
[[Category:England international footballers]]
[[Category:English expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:England under-23 international footballers]]
[[Category:England men's international footballers]]
[[Category:England men's under-23 international footballers]]
[[Category:Everton F.C. players]]
[[Category:Everton F.C. players]]
[[Category:Ipswich Town F.C. players]]
[[Category:Ipswich Town F.C. players]]
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[[Category:UEFA Euro 1980 players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 1980 players]]
[[Category:North American Soccer League (1968–1984) players]]
[[Category:North American Soccer League (1968–1984) players]]
[[Category:Expatriate soccer players in the United States]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's soccer players in the United States]]
[[Category:Footballers from Liverpool]]
[[Category:Footballers from Liverpool]]
[[Category:Association football forwards]]
[[Category:Men's association football forwards]]
[[Category:English football managers]]
[[Category:English football managers]]
[[Category:Barrow A.F.C. managers]]
[[Category:Barrow A.F.C. managers]]
[[Category:English expatriate sportspeople in the United States]]
[[Category:English expatriate sportspeople in the United States]]
[[Category:UEFA Champions League winning players]]
[[Category:UEFA Champions League winning players]]
[[Category:FA Cup Final players]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Malta]]
[[Category:English Football League players]]

Latest revision as of 18:28, 7 May 2024

For other footballers named David Johnson, see David Johnson § Association football.

David Johnson
Personal information
Full name David Edward Johnson
Date of birth (1951-10-23)23 October 1951
Place of birth Liverpool, England
Date of death 23 November 2022(2022-11-23) (aged 71)
Position(s) Forward
Youth career
1967–1969 Everton
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1969–1972 Everton 49 (11)
1972–1976 Ipswich Town 136 (35)
1976–1982 Liverpool 148 (55)
1982–1984 Everton 40 (4)
1984 → Barnsley (loan) 4 (1)
1984 Manchester City 6 (1)
1984 Tulsa Roughnecks 17 (4)
1984–1985 Preston North End 24 (3)
1985–1986 Barrow
Naxxar Lions
Total 424 (114)
International career
1975–1980 England 8 (6)
Managerial career
1985–1986 Barrow
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

David Edward Johnson (23 October 1951 – 23 November 2022) was an English professional footballer and manager who played as a forward and won major trophies for Liverpool in the 1970s and 1980s. He also played for Ipswich Town, Everton and other clubs,[1] as well as the England national team.

Career[edit]

Everton[edit]

Johnson signed for Liverpool rivals Everton as a youngster and after showing his ability in early matches, Liverpool manager Bill Shankly pestered Everton counterpart Harry Catterick to sell the young striker, but was rebuffed.

Johnson made his Everton debut as a 19-year-old on 8 January 1971 in a 2–2 league draw with Burnley at Turf Moor. Later on in 1971 Johnson scored in a Merseyside derby game for Everton.

Ipswich Town[edit]

Johnson joined Bobby Robson's Ipswich Town in the November 1972 swapping for Ipswich's top goalscorer, Rod Belfitt (and £40,000). He made his Ipswich debut on 4 November 1972 at Portman Road in a 2–2 draw with Leeds United. His first goal for the club came on 2 December the same year in the 1–1 draw with Manchester City at Maine Road. By the end of his first season Johnson had helped Ipswich to the Texaco Cup final where they met East Anglian derby rivals Norwich City. After the two legged final Ipswich emerged victorious, winning 4–2 on aggregate by winning both legs 2–1.

The following season Ipswich drew Spanish giants Real Madrid in the first round of the UEFA Cup. Ipswich beat their illustrious counterparts by a goal to nil at home and held Real to a goalless draw at the Bernabéu in front of 80,000 supporters. In the next round Italian side S.S. Lazio. 4–0 down with just 20 minutes remaining, Johnson had the ball when Giancarlo Oddi went to close him down. Oddi then put in a waist high challenge which left Johnson in a heap on the ground holding his groin. Johnson had to be stretchered off and missed the following three fixtures as a consequence.

Johnson returned from the injury for the return leg in Rome and took up his place on the bench. He watched as Lazio scored early and then again before half-time. A penalty was despatched by Colin Viljoen for Ipswich. Lazio then scored two more goals to put the tie back in the balance. In the 88th minute with the score 5–4 on aggregate, Robson turned to Johnson. With virtually his first touch he scored the goal that would finally settle the tie in Ipswich's favour. Ipswich beat Dutch side FC Twente in the next round but went out in the quarter-finals to East German side Locomotiv Leipzig 4–3 on penalties after the sides had drawn 1–1 during normal and extra time.

Johnson scored 35 goals in his four seasons at the club as a battling, play-linking forward forging a productive partnership with Trevor Whymark. It was during his time at Ipswich that Johnson was called up by Don Revie for his first cap for England. He made his debut in a British Home Championship match at Wembley on 21 May 1975. Wales were the visitors with the game ending 2–2 with Johnson scoring both the goals. He also scored twice in a 3–1 victory over world champions Argentina at Wembley, a game which saw the first appearance in England of Diego Maradona. Johnson was in Ron Greenwood's squad for the 1980 European Championships but found himself behind Garry Birtles and the man that replaced him at Ipswich Paul Mariner. He won eight caps scoring six times in those appearances.

In 1976 Tottenham Hotspur put in an unsuccessful bid for around £200,000 for Johnson did not want to move. However, after 137 league appearances for Ipswich he returned to Merseyside.

Liverpool[edit]

Johnson signed for Liverpool for a club record fee of £200,000.[2] He made his debut for the club on 21 August 1976 in a 1–0 league win over Norwich at Anfield. He scored his first goal a week later on the 28th, but his goal was not enough to prevent Birmingham City beating Liverpool 2–1 at St Andrews.

In his first season, he was a frequent substitute, vying for the right to partner Kevin Keegan with both John Toshack and David Fairclough. In his debut season Liverpool were chasing an historic treble of League championship, FA Cup and European Cup as the season drew to a close.

Johnson picked up his first domestic honour with the League title and was selected as Keegan's strike partner for the 1977 FA Cup Final at Wembley, but Liverpool lost 2–1 to Manchester United. Johnson made little impact and was substituted by Ian Callaghan in the second half.

For the 1977 European Cup final against Borussia Mönchengladbach in Rome three days later, manager Bob Paisley kept the team that had ended the match at Wembley, so Callaghan started and Johnson was on the bench. He picked up a medal as Liverpool won 3–1.

In April 1978, Johnson scored for Liverpool in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park – becoming the very first player to score for both clubs in the Merseyside derby.[3] As of 2018, only one other player – Peter Beardsley – has achieved this feat since.[4]

In 1979 and 1980 Johnson was a free-scoring centre forward as Liverpool regained and then retained the title, and in 1981 he played as Liverpool won their third European Cup (against Real Madrid in the final) and their first League Cup (against West Ham United). However, a sign of things to come was in that first League Cup success. After the first game at Wembley ended 1–1, Johnson was on the bench for the replay because of Paisley's decision to try out the young Ian Rush. Rush did not score but played well, and the following year he was the regular partner to Kenny Dalglish with Johnson being used less frequently.

Johnson did enough to win a final league championship medal in 1982 and also won the League Cup again, after getting the substitute's jersey for the final (against Tottenham Hotspur).

Return to Everton and loan to Barnsley[edit]

Johnson returned to Everton in August 1982 for £100,000. He did not see out his second season at Goodison after initially being loaned to Barnsley.

Later career[edit]

Johnson ended the 1983–84 season at Manchester City before spending the summer at American side Tulsa Roughnecks in the NASL. His last season of senior football was played at Preston North End. He then had a spell as player manager at Barrow AFC.

After playing[edit]

Johnson worked at Anfield, hosting in the corporate lounges. He could also be heard regularly on BBC Radio Merseyside as both a match summariser and also a regular contributor to the station's Red Alert programme aired on Fridays at 7.30 pm where he provided what was known during the show as "The Doc's Diagnosis".

Johnson died of throat cancer on 23 November 2022, at the age of 71.[5][6]

Honours[edit]

Ipswich Town

Liverpool

Individual

References[edit]

  1. ^ David Johnson on Post War English & Scottish Football League A–Z Player's Transfer Database profile
  2. ^ "1976/77 step back in time", Ipswich Town F.C. v Sheffield United F.C. programme, p. 21, 22 November 2003
  3. ^ James Pearce (25 September 2008). "David Johnson: I lived the dream with derby winners for Liverpool and Everton". Liverpool Banter. Liverpool Echo & Daily Post. Archived from the original on 11 May 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  4. ^ "Archive: Peter Beardsley". Mirror Football. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  5. ^ Chris Bascombe (23 November 2022). "David Johnson, former Liverpool and Everton striker, dies aged 71". The Telegraph. Retrieved 23 November 2022. (subscription required)
  6. ^ "David Johnson obituary". The Times. 25 November 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
  7. ^ Lynch. The Official P.F.A. Footballers Heroes. p. 143.
  8. ^ Pearce, Steve (18 March 2016). "Hall of Fame Awards 2016". Ipswich Town F.C. Archived from the original on 20 August 2016. Retrieved 8 August 2016.

External links[edit]

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