Tommy Johnson Straight Talk | Episode 20

Tommy Johnson talks to Peter Martin about his career as a striker in the Premier League for Aston Villa and Everton and in the Scottish Premier League for Celtic and Kilmarnock. He also played for Notts County, Derby County, Sheffield Wednesday, Gillingham, Sheffield United and Scunthorpe United, before finishing his career with Tamworth and Rocester.

Tommy Johnson Interview Highlights:

00:00 Intro to Tommy Johnson
00:53 Notts County football apprenticeship
03:43 Signing for Celtic Football Club
11:41 Martin O'Neill Celtic
19:55 Which Football (Soccer) Position
26:00 Best football matches and players
32:08 Tosh McKinlay Henrik Larsson fight
38:50 Tommy Burns Celtic manager
41:31 Neil Lennon Celtic
42:51 Making your parents proud

About Tommy Johnson:

Tommy Johnson had a knack for finding the back of the net and propelled Notts County through two successive promotion playoffs, landing them in the First Division in 1991. Despite their brief stay at the top and missing out on the inaugural Premier League season, his contribution of 47 goals in 118 league games marked him as a standout player.

The Football League Odyssey
A mid-season move in 1992 saw him join Derby County, an ambitious club eyeing Premier League football. His tenure here included a memorable playoff final appearance and a solid record of 30 goals in 98 league appearances. By 1995, he finally made his Premier League debut with Aston Villa, becoming a key player in a season of rebuilding and transition for the club.

At Villa, he shared the pitch with notable talents like Dalian Atkinson, Dean Saunders, and later, Dwight Yorke and Savo Milosevic. His time at Villa was highlighted by a League Cup triumph in 1996, though the arrival of new talents gradually limited his first-team opportunities.

Celtic and Beyond
His career took a northward turn when he joined Celtic in 1997 for £2.4 million. Despite injury setbacks, he experienced moments of glory, including scoring pivotal goals that contributed to league titles and cup victories. His journey continued with stints at Everton, Sheffield Wednesday, and Kilmarnock, before moving on to Gillingham, Sheffield United, and finally Scunthorpe United, where his playing career faced challenges due to injuries.

Non-League and Retirement
The twilight of his career saw him embrace the grassroots of football with Tamworth and eventually Rocester, where he continued to share his passion for the game.

Transition to Coaching
Post-retirement, his knowledge and experience found new avenues in coaching and scouting. Rejoining Notts County in a coaching capacity, he also contributed to the Northern Ireland U23s and worked as a scout for Cardiff City. His current role as a coaching assistant for the Northern Ireland national team signifies his continued influence in the game, shaping the next generation of talent.

Legacy
His journey underscores the diverse pathways within football, from the highs of scoring in top-flight leagues to the invaluable experience gained in coaching and scouting roles. It's a testament to the evolving nature of careers in football, where the love for the game transcends beyond playing days. As he shapes future stars, his legacy continues, echoing the journey of a true football journeyman.

#everton #interview #celticfc