Bradley Johnson
Encyclopedia
Bradley Paul Johnson is an English
footballer who plays as a midfielder
for Norwich City
. His primary position is a central midfielder, but he can also play as a left winger and as a left back.
, Greater London
, Johnson started his career at his boyhood team Arsenal
but was released by the club when he was 15 years old. After leaving Arsenal, he made several appearances for Waltham Forest F.C.
, in the Ryman Division 1 North. He then joined the youth ranks at Cambridge United and after breaking into the first team he then moved to league club Northampton Town
, where he signed on 16 May 2005. During his time at the club he was sent out on loan twice, playing for Gravesend & Northfleet and Stevenage Borough
. Following the appointment of Stuart Gray
as Northampton manager, Johnson featured in practically every single starting eleven that he named and he signed a new two-year contract extension.
Johnson began to attract attention from a host of Championship
sides, including Coventry City
, Colchester United
and Queens Park Rangers
, but was in talks to sign for Leicester City
, after discussing terms at the Walkers Stadium
on 2 January 2008. However, the player returned to the Sixfields Stadium
, having failed to reach an agreement with the club.
Johnson made his first appearance for Leeds on 14 January, when he replaced David Prutton
in their league fixture against Crewe Alexandra
at the Alexandra Stadium
. He scored his first goal for the club at Elland Road in a fixture against Bournemouth
on 8 March, when he scored the first goal in the 2–0 victory. Despite growing up as a central midfielder, Johnson has established himself on the left wing under Leeds manager Gary McAllister
, although he did play at left back in the last game of the 2007–08 season (against Gillingham
), scoring a long-range volley in the process. He stated that he would "never forget that moment".. Johnson played for Leeds in the League 1 playoff final against Doncaster Rovers at Wembley, but was on the losing side as Leeds lost 1–0.
After struggling to get a first team place under manager Gary McAllister
due to the emergence of Fabian Delph
, Johnson became surplus to requirements under his management and On 27 October 2008, it was revealed that Johnson had joined League One
rivals Brighton & Hove Albion
on loan until 3 January 2009. Johnson scored twice on his debut during the 3–2 victory over Leicester City. Johnson scored four goals in 10 games on loan at Brighton before returning to his parent club Leeds United who had been taken over by new manager Simon Grayson
whilst Johnson had been out on loan, Johnson found himself back in the first team picture as Leeds reached the playoff semi finals against Millwall, with Johnson almost scoring a late goal for Leeds in the second leg at Elland Road, only to watch his long range effort sail narrowly wide of the post.
Johnson started the 2009–10 season as Leeds United's regular left winger. He scored his first goal of the new season with a diving header in a 2–1 victory away at Walsall. His second goal of the season came in the following game of the campaign, in a 3–0 win over Tranmere Rovers
, which helped Leeds extend their winning run at home in the League to 13 games, equalling a record set 40 years earlier, by Don Revie
's side of 1969.
On 13 October, Johnson revealed that he wanted to stay at Leeds longer than his existing contract and was hoping to sign a new longer term contract. Johnson returned after more than a month out through injury as a second half substitute against Southampton, where he replaced Jonny Howson
in the second half, with Leeds scoring the winner shortly after his introduction.
Johnson played in Leeds' famous FA Cup victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The following game against Wycombe Wanderers with Andy Hughes
out injured Johnson dropped back into the left back position with Robert Snodgrass
coming into the team. Johnson was playing on the left of the midfield for Leeds when they earned a 2–2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup on 23 January 2010. After a defeat to Swindon Town Johnson was dropped to the bench for the next game against Colchester United, Johnson came on as a second half substitute playing at left back after replacing debutant Shane Lowry
. After playing in the replay against Tottenham Hotspur Johnson was dropped to the bench against Hartlepool United and replaced in the side by Gary McSheffrey
. Johnson came on as a second half substitute for Leeds in the second half of the Football League Trophy Northern Area Final second leg, Leeds won the game 3–2 but when the match went to Penalties Johnson took Leeds' first penalty and had it brilliantly saved by Carlisle United goalkeeper Adam Collin
.
After impressing as a substitute against Carlisle, Johnson came back into Leeds' starting lineup vs Leyton Orient. Johnson played an instrumental part as Leeds were promoted to the Football League Championship after finishing in 2nd place in League 1 and thus earning automatic promotion. Johnson gained an assist for Leeds in their match against Nottingham Forest, providing a cross for Lloyd Sam
to head home. Johnson scored his 1st goal of the season in the match against Swansea City
Johnson scored Leeds' winner and his second goal of the season against Sheffield United when slotting into an empty net after an assist by Robert Snodgrass
. Johnson confirmed that he was in contract negotiations with Leeds about extending his deal and was hoping to stay at the club. After being a regular name on the team sheet, Johnson dropped to the bench against Middlesbrough, however after Sanchez Watt
picked up an injury, Johnson came on as a half time substitute and managed to gain an assist for Luciano Becchio
's goal.
In November 2010, Johnson turned down the offer of a new three-year deal at Leeds United after contract negotiations, this reportedly alerted Rangers
, Stoke City and Blackpool
who are all believed to be interested in Johnson. Manager Simon Grayson
confirmed Johnson had rejected a new contract but said that contract negotiations with Johnson would still be ongoing despite his refusal of the first contract offer. Johnson scored his third goal of the season against Hull City
, however Johnson cost his side all three points by scoring an own goal in the same game
On 18 November, Johnson was transfer listed by Leeds after rejecting Leeds' final contract offer. Leeds statement said that they would sell him in the January transfer window if they receive an acceptable offer for him Johnson was linked with Premiership clubs Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City Johnson was given jeers and 'ironic cheers' by a some portions of Leeds fans unhappy with him rejecting a new deal when he was substituted against Crystal Palace
, the game was the first home game Johnson had played since being put on the transfer list for rejecting the clubs offers of a new contact. A war of words between Chairman Ken Bates
and Johnson ensued, Bates claimed that Johnson was not answering his calls. Johnson claimed he only wanted parity with other players for his wage demands. On 14 December, Johnson was linked with a move to Premier League side Wigan Athletic. Wigan manager Roberto Martinez
when questioned about Johnson neither confirmed or denied his interest in Johnson. Johnson scored his fourth goal of the season against Portsmouth. On 8 January, Johnson helped earn Leeds a 1-1 draw against his former side, Arsenal
, Leeds were 1-0 up after Robert Snodgrass
scored a second half penalty. Arsenal equalized in the 90th minute when Cesc Fabregas
scored a penalty, forcing a replay at Leeds.
On 13 January, despite Johnson being on the transfer list, manager Simon Grayson
revealed that he wouldn't be able to sell Johnson unless a replacement had been brought in beforehand. With Neil Kilkenny
away on international duty and Amdy Faye leaving the club, Grayson admitted he wouldn't be able to sell Johnson as it would leave him short in centre midfield. Johnson scored his fifth goal of the season against Scunthorpe United
with a 25-yard strike.
On 18 January, Johnson scored his sixth goal of the season in an FA Cup Third Round Replay against Arsenal at Elland Road. Johnson scored with a long range effort from 28-yards. Arsenal went on to win the replay 3–1. Johnson was sent off against Barnsley when he received two bookable offences during the game. On 30 April 2011, Johnson won Leeds' Goal Of The Season award for his strike against Arsenal. Ken Bates
announced that talks between Johnson and the club were ongoing on 12 May, and that he was hopeful that Johnson would sign a new contract with Leeds.
On 26 May it was confirmed that Bradley Johnson had rejected a new contract offered by Leeds United and that he would be leaving the club.
He received some flack from fans who thought he dishonoured the club by leaving, a spokesperson named Nadav Winehouse confirmed this and that it would not affect his decision.
. Johnson made his first appearance for Norwich in the 7–0 away win over Gorelston
, the club's first pre season fixture before the 2011–12 season
. He was handed squad number 4, which was vacated by Matthew Gill
when he was released by the club. Johnson did not make an appearance off the bench in Norwich's first Premier League fixture of the 2011–12 season, though he set up Richie De Laet
's opener against in Norwich's first home match of the season with a curling free kick
headed in by the Belgian. Johnson scored his first Norwich goal against Bolton Wanderers
on 17 September 2011 at the Reebok Stadium
with a "classy header".
due to his African-American grandfather. He also revealed he had held talks with USA Coach Bob Bradley
However, Johnson wasn't aware that unlike European rules, this doesn't qualify players for US citizenship. Unless Johnson was able to apply for US citizenship, with the result of the application likely being a rejection.
In October 2010, Johnson reiterated his desire to play for the USA national team in the future.
On 1 October 2011, it was rumoured that Johnson was on the radar of Fabio Capello and would be named in his 25 man England squad for the Euro 2012 qualifier versus Montenegro.
footballer who plays as a midfielder
for Norwich City
. His primary position is a central midfielder, but he can also play as a left winger and as a left back.
, Greater London
, Johnson started his career at his boyhood team Arsenal
but was released by the club when he was 15 years old. After leaving Arsenal, he made several appearances for Waltham Forest F.C.
, in the Ryman Division 1 North. He then joined the youth ranks at Cambridge United and after breaking into the first team he then moved to league club Northampton Town
, where he signed on 16 May 2005. During his time at the club he was sent out on loan twice, playing for Gravesend & Northfleet and Stevenage Borough
. Following the appointment of Stuart Gray
as Northampton manager, Johnson featured in practically every single starting eleven that he named and he signed a new two-year contract extension.
Johnson began to attract attention from a host of Championship
sides, including Coventry City
, Colchester United
and Queens Park Rangers
, but was in talks to sign for Leicester City
, after discussing terms at the Walkers Stadium
on 2 January 2008. However, the player returned to the Sixfields Stadium
, having failed to reach an agreement with the club.
Johnson made his first appearance for Leeds on 14 January, when he replaced David Prutton
in their league fixture against Crewe Alexandra
at the Alexandra Stadium
. He scored his first goal for the club at Elland Road in a fixture against Bournemouth
on 8 March, when he scored the first goal in the 2–0 victory. Despite growing up as a central midfielder, Johnson has established himself on the left wing under Leeds manager Gary McAllister
, although he did play at left back in the last game of the 2007–08 season (against Gillingham
), scoring a long-range volley in the process. He stated that he would "never forget that moment".. Johnson played for Leeds in the League 1 playoff final against Doncaster Rovers at Wembley, but was on the losing side as Leeds lost 1–0.
After struggling to get a first team place under manager Gary McAllister
due to the emergence of Fabian Delph
, Johnson became surplus to requirements under his management and On 27 October 2008, it was revealed that Johnson had joined League One
rivals Brighton & Hove Albion
on loan until 3 January 2009. Johnson scored twice on his debut during the 3–2 victory over Leicester City. Johnson scored four goals in 10 games on loan at Brighton before returning to his parent club Leeds United who had been taken over by new manager Simon Grayson
whilst Johnson had been out on loan, Johnson found himself back in the first team picture as Leeds reached the playoff semi finals against Millwall, with Johnson almost scoring a late goal for Leeds in the second leg at Elland Road, only to watch his long range effort sail narrowly wide of the post.
Johnson started the 2009–10 season as Leeds United's regular left winger. He scored his first goal of the new season with a diving header in a 2–1 victory away at Walsall. His second goal of the season came in the following game of the campaign, in a 3–0 win over Tranmere Rovers
, which helped Leeds extend their winning run at home in the League to 13 games, equalling a record set 40 years earlier, by Don Revie
's side of 1969.
On 13 October, Johnson revealed that he wanted to stay at Leeds longer than his existing contract and was hoping to sign a new longer term contract. Johnson returned after more than a month out through injury as a second half substitute against Southampton, where he replaced Jonny Howson
in the second half, with Leeds scoring the winner shortly after his introduction.
Johnson played in Leeds' famous FA Cup victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The following game against Wycombe Wanderers with Andy Hughes
out injured Johnson dropped back into the left back position with Robert Snodgrass
coming into the team. Johnson was playing on the left of the midfield for Leeds when they earned a 2–2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup on 23 January 2010. After a defeat to Swindon Town Johnson was dropped to the bench for the next game against Colchester United, Johnson came on as a second half substitute playing at left back after replacing debutant Shane Lowry
. After playing in the replay against Tottenham Hotspur Johnson was dropped to the bench against Hartlepool United and replaced in the side by Gary McSheffrey
. Johnson came on as a second half substitute for Leeds in the second half of the Football League Trophy Northern Area Final second leg, Leeds won the game 3–2 but when the match went to Penalties Johnson took Leeds' first penalty and had it brilliantly saved by Carlisle United goalkeeper Adam Collin
.
After impressing as a substitute against Carlisle, Johnson came back into Leeds' starting lineup vs Leyton Orient. Johnson played an instrumental part as Leeds were promoted to the Football League Championship after finishing in 2nd place in League 1 and thus earning automatic promotion. Johnson gained an assist for Leeds in their match against Nottingham Forest, providing a cross for Lloyd Sam
to head home. Johnson scored his 1st goal of the season in the match against Swansea City
Johnson scored Leeds' winner and his second goal of the season against Sheffield United when slotting into an empty net after an assist by Robert Snodgrass
. Johnson confirmed that he was in contract negotiations with Leeds about extending his deal and was hoping to stay at the club. After being a regular name on the team sheet, Johnson dropped to the bench against Middlesbrough, however after Sanchez Watt
picked up an injury, Johnson came on as a half time substitute and managed to gain an assist for Luciano Becchio
's goal.
In November 2010, Johnson turned down the offer of a new three-year deal at Leeds United after contract negotiations, this reportedly alerted Rangers
, Stoke City and Blackpool
who are all believed to be interested in Johnson. Manager Simon Grayson
confirmed Johnson had rejected a new contract but said that contract negotiations with Johnson would still be ongoing despite his refusal of the first contract offer. Johnson scored his third goal of the season against Hull City
, however Johnson cost his side all three points by scoring an own goal in the same game
On 18 November, Johnson was transfer listed by Leeds after rejecting Leeds' final contract offer. Leeds statement said that they would sell him in the January transfer window if they receive an acceptable offer for him Johnson was linked with Premiership clubs Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City Johnson was given jeers and 'ironic cheers' by a some portions of Leeds fans unhappy with him rejecting a new deal when he was substituted against Crystal Palace
, the game was the first home game Johnson had played since being put on the transfer list for rejecting the clubs offers of a new contact. A war of words between Chairman Ken Bates
and Johnson ensued, Bates claimed that Johnson was not answering his calls. Johnson claimed he only wanted parity with other players for his wage demands. On 14 December, Johnson was linked with a move to Premier League side Wigan Athletic. Wigan manager Roberto Martinez
when questioned about Johnson neither confirmed or denied his interest in Johnson. Johnson scored his fourth goal of the season against Portsmouth. On 8 January, Johnson helped earn Leeds a 1-1 draw against his former side, Arsenal
, Leeds were 1-0 up after Robert Snodgrass
scored a second half penalty. Arsenal equalized in the 90th minute when Cesc Fabregas
scored a penalty, forcing a replay at Leeds.
On 13 January, despite Johnson being on the transfer list, manager Simon Grayson
revealed that he wouldn't be able to sell Johnson unless a replacement had been brought in beforehand. With Neil Kilkenny
away on international duty and Amdy Faye leaving the club, Grayson admitted he wouldn't be able to sell Johnson as it would leave him short in centre midfield. Johnson scored his fifth goal of the season against Scunthorpe United
with a 25-yard strike.
On 18 January, Johnson scored his sixth goal of the season in an FA Cup Third Round Replay against Arsenal at Elland Road. Johnson scored with a long range effort from 28-yards. Arsenal went on to win the replay 3–1. Johnson was sent off against Barnsley when he received two bookable offences during the game. On 30 April 2011, Johnson won Leeds' Goal Of The Season award for his strike against Arsenal. Ken Bates
announced that talks between Johnson and the club were ongoing on 12 May, and that he was hopeful that Johnson would sign a new contract with Leeds.
On 26 May it was confirmed that Bradley Johnson had rejected a new contract offered by Leeds United and that he would be leaving the club.
He received some flack from fans who thought he dishonoured the club by leaving, a spokesperson named Nadav Winehouse confirmed this and that it would not affect his decision.
. Johnson made his first appearance for Norwich in the 7–0 away win over Gorelston
, the club's first pre season fixture before the 2011–12 season
. He was handed squad number 4, which was vacated by Matthew Gill
when he was released by the club. Johnson did not make an appearance off the bench in Norwich's first Premier League fixture of the 2011–12 season, though he set up Richie De Laet
's opener against in Norwich's first home match of the season with a curling free kick
headed in by the Belgian. Johnson scored his first Norwich goal against Bolton Wanderers
on 17 September 2011 at the Reebok Stadium
with a "classy header".
due to his African-American grandfather. He also revealed he had held talks with USA Coach Bob Bradley
However, Johnson wasn't aware that unlike European rules, this doesn't qualify players for US citizenship. Unless Johnson was able to apply for US citizenship, with the result of the application likely being a rejection.
In October 2010, Johnson reiterated his desire to play for the USA national team in the future.
On 1 October 2011, it was rumoured that Johnson was on the radar of Fabio Capello and would be named in his 25 man England squad for the Euro 2012 qualifier versus Montenegro.
footballer who plays as a midfielder
for Norwich City
. His primary position is a central midfielder, but he can also play as a left winger and as a left back.
, Greater London
, Johnson started his career at his boyhood team Arsenal
but was released by the club when he was 15 years old. After leaving Arsenal, he made several appearances for Waltham Forest F.C.
, in the Ryman Division 1 North. He then joined the youth ranks at Cambridge United and after breaking into the first team he then moved to league club Northampton Town
, where he signed on 16 May 2005. During his time at the club he was sent out on loan twice, playing for Gravesend & Northfleet and Stevenage Borough
. Following the appointment of Stuart Gray
as Northampton manager, Johnson featured in practically every single starting eleven that he named and he signed a new two-year contract extension.
Johnson began to attract attention from a host of Championship
sides, including Coventry City
, Colchester United
and Queens Park Rangers
, but was in talks to sign for Leicester City
, after discussing terms at the Walkers Stadium
on 2 January 2008. However, the player returned to the Sixfields Stadium
, having failed to reach an agreement with the club.
Johnson made his first appearance for Leeds on 14 January, when he replaced David Prutton
in their league fixture against Crewe Alexandra
at the Alexandra Stadium
. He scored his first goal for the club at Elland Road in a fixture against Bournemouth
on 8 March, when he scored the first goal in the 2–0 victory. Despite growing up as a central midfielder, Johnson has established himself on the left wing under Leeds manager Gary McAllister
, although he did play at left back in the last game of the 2007–08 season (against Gillingham
), scoring a long-range volley in the process. He stated that he would "never forget that moment".. Johnson played for Leeds in the League 1 playoff final against Doncaster Rovers at Wembley, but was on the losing side as Leeds lost 1–0.
After struggling to get a first team place under manager Gary McAllister
due to the emergence of Fabian Delph
, Johnson became surplus to requirements under his management and On 27 October 2008, it was revealed that Johnson had joined League One
rivals Brighton & Hove Albion
on loan until 3 January 2009. Johnson scored twice on his debut during the 3–2 victory over Leicester City. Johnson scored four goals in 10 games on loan at Brighton before returning to his parent club Leeds United who had been taken over by new manager Simon Grayson
whilst Johnson had been out on loan, Johnson found himself back in the first team picture as Leeds reached the playoff semi finals against Millwall, with Johnson almost scoring a late goal for Leeds in the second leg at Elland Road, only to watch his long range effort sail narrowly wide of the post.
Johnson started the 2009–10 season as Leeds United's regular left winger. He scored his first goal of the new season with a diving header in a 2–1 victory away at Walsall. His second goal of the season came in the following game of the campaign, in a 3–0 win over Tranmere Rovers
, which helped Leeds extend their winning run at home in the League to 13 games, equalling a record set 40 years earlier, by Don Revie
's side of 1969.
On 13 October, Johnson revealed that he wanted to stay at Leeds longer than his existing contract and was hoping to sign a new longer term contract. Johnson returned after more than a month out through injury as a second half substitute against Southampton, where he replaced Jonny Howson
in the second half, with Leeds scoring the winner shortly after his introduction.
Johnson played in Leeds' famous FA Cup victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The following game against Wycombe Wanderers with Andy Hughes
out injured Johnson dropped back into the left back position with Robert Snodgrass
coming into the team. Johnson was playing on the left of the midfield for Leeds when they earned a 2–2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup on 23 January 2010. After a defeat to Swindon Town Johnson was dropped to the bench for the next game against Colchester United, Johnson came on as a second half substitute playing at left back after replacing debutant Shane Lowry
. After playing in the replay against Tottenham Hotspur Johnson was dropped to the bench against Hartlepool United and replaced in the side by Gary McSheffrey
. Johnson came on as a second half substitute for Leeds in the second half of the Football League Trophy Northern Area Final second leg, Leeds won the game 3–2 but when the match went to Penalties Johnson took Leeds' first penalty and had it brilliantly saved by Carlisle United goalkeeper Adam Collin
.
After impressing as a substitute against Carlisle, Johnson came back into Leeds' starting lineup vs Leyton Orient. Johnson played an instrumental part as Leeds were promoted to the Football League Championship after finishing in 2nd place in League 1 and thus earning automatic promotion. Johnson gained an assist for Leeds in their match against Nottingham Forest, providing a cross for Lloyd Sam
to head home. Johnson scored his 1st goal of the season in the match against Swansea City
Johnson scored Leeds' winner and his second goal of the season against Sheffield United when slotting into an empty net after an assist by Robert Snodgrass
. Johnson confirmed that he was in contract negotiations with Leeds about extending his deal and was hoping to stay at the club. After being a regular name on the team sheet, Johnson dropped to the bench against Middlesbrough, however after Sanchez Watt
picked up an injury, Johnson came on as a half time substitute and managed to gain an assist for Luciano Becchio
's goal.
In November 2010, Johnson turned down the offer of a new three-year deal at Leeds United after contract negotiations, this reportedly alerted Rangers
, Stoke City and Blackpool
who are all believed to be interested in Johnson. Manager Simon Grayson
confirmed Johnson had rejected a new contract but said that contract negotiations with Johnson would still be ongoing despite his refusal of the first contract offer. Johnson scored his third goal of the season against Hull City
, however Johnson cost his side all three points by scoring an own goal in the same game
On 18 November, Johnson was transfer listed by Leeds after rejecting Leeds' final contract offer. Leeds statement said that they would sell him in the January transfer window if they receive an acceptable offer for him Johnson was linked with Premiership clubs Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City Johnson was given jeers and 'ironic cheers' by a some portions of Leeds fans unhappy with him rejecting a new deal when he was substituted against Crystal Palace
, the game was the first home game Johnson had played since being put on the transfer list for rejecting the clubs offers of a new contact. A war of words between Chairman Ken Bates
and Johnson ensued, Bates claimed that Johnson was not answering his calls. Johnson claimed he only wanted parity with other players for his wage demands. On 14 December, Johnson was linked with a move to Premier League side Wigan Athletic. Wigan manager Roberto Martinez
when questioned about Johnson neither confirmed or denied his interest in Johnson. Johnson scored his fourth goal of the season against Portsmouth. On 8 January, Johnson helped earn Leeds a 1-1 draw against his former side, Arsenal
, Leeds were 1-0 up after Robert Snodgrass
scored a second half penalty. Arsenal equalized in the 90th minute when Cesc Fabregas
scored a penalty, forcing a replay at Leeds.
On 13 January, despite Johnson being on the transfer list, manager Simon Grayson
revealed that he wouldn't be able to sell Johnson unless a replacement had been brought in beforehand. With Neil Kilkenny
away on international duty and Amdy Faye leaving the club, Grayson admitted he wouldn't be able to sell Johnson as it would leave him short in centre midfield. Johnson scored his fifth goal of the season against Scunthorpe United
with a 25-yard strike.
On 18 January, Johnson scored his sixth goal of the season in an FA Cup Third Round Replay against Arsenal at Elland Road. Johnson scored with a long range effort from 28-yards. Arsenal went on to win the replay 3–1. Johnson was sent off against Barnsley when he received two bookable offences during the game. On 30 April 2011, Johnson won Leeds' Goal Of The Season award for his strike against Arsenal. Ken Bates
announced that talks between Johnson and the club were ongoing on 12 May, and that he was hopeful that Johnson would sign a new contract with Leeds.
On 26 May it was confirmed that Bradley Johnson had rejected a new contract offered by Leeds United and that he would be leaving the club.
He received some flack from fans who thought he dishonoured the club by leaving, a spokesperson named Nadav Winehouse confirmed this and that it would not affect his decision.
. Johnson made his first appearance for Norwich in the 7–0 away win over Gorelston
, the club's first pre season fixture before the 2011–12 season
. He was handed squad number 4, which was vacated by Matthew Gill
when he was released by the club. Johnson did not make an appearance off the bench in Norwich's first Premier League fixture of the 2011–12 season, though he set up Richie De Laet
's opener against in Norwich's first home match of the season with a curling free kick
headed in by the Belgian. Johnson scored his first Norwich goal against Bolton Wanderers
on 17 September 2011 at the Reebok Stadium
with a "classy header".
due to his African-American grandfather. He also revealed he had held talks with USA Coach Bob Bradley
However, Johnson wasn't aware that unlike European rules, this doesn't qualify players for US citizenship. Unless Johnson was able to apply for US citizenship, with the result of the application likely being a rejection.
In October 2010, Johnson reiterated his desire to play for the USA national team in the future.
On 1 October 2011, it was rumoured that Johnson was on the radar of Fabio Capello and would be named in his 25 man England squad for the Euro 2012 qualifier versus Montenegro.
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
footballer who plays as a midfielder
Midfielder
A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role...
for Norwich City
Norwich City F.C.
Norwich City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Norwich, Norfolk. As of the 2011–12 season, Norwich City are again playing in the Premier League after a six-year absence, having finished as runner up in the Championship in 2010–11 and winning automatic promotion.The...
. His primary position is a central midfielder, but he can also play as a left winger and as a left back.
Club career
Born in HackneyLondon Borough of Hackney
The London Borough of Hackney is a London borough of North/North East London, and forms part of inner London. The local authority is Hackney London Borough Council....
, Greater London
Greater London
Greater London is the top-level administrative division of England covering London. It was created in 1965 and spans the City of London, including Middle Temple and Inner Temple, and the 32 London boroughs. This territory is coterminate with the London Government Office Region and the London...
, Johnson started his career at his boyhood team Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
but was released by the club when he was 15 years old. After leaving Arsenal, he made several appearances for Waltham Forest F.C.
Waltham Forest F.C.
Waltham Forest F.C. are a football club from Walthamstow, who play in the Isthmian League First Division North. They have played under a number of names and were known as Leyton Pennant up until the end of the 2002–03 season.-History:...
, in the Ryman Division 1 North. He then joined the youth ranks at Cambridge United and after breaking into the first team he then moved to league club Northampton Town
Northampton Town F.C.
Northampton Town Football Club are an English professional football club based in Northampton, Northamptonshire. They currently play in Football League Two, the lowest league division, after being relegated from League One on the last day of the 2008–09 season...
, where he signed on 16 May 2005. During his time at the club he was sent out on loan twice, playing for Gravesend & Northfleet and Stevenage Borough
Stevenage Borough F.C.
Stevenage Football Club is an English football club based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The club currently participate in League One, the third tier of English football, having won promotion from League Two in the 2010–11 season...
. Following the appointment of Stuart Gray
Stuart Gray (footballer born 1960)
Stuart Gray is an English former footballer and manager, who is the former manager of Football League Two side Northampton Town. On 30th December 2010 he was appointed the caretaker manager of Burnley following the sacking of Brian Laws, reverting to his role as first team coach when Eddie Howe...
as Northampton manager, Johnson featured in practically every single starting eleven that he named and he signed a new two-year contract extension.
Johnson began to attract attention from a host of Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
sides, including Coventry City
Coventry City F.C.
Coventry City Football Club, otherwise known as the Sky Blues owing to the traditional colour of their strip, are a professional English Football league club based in Coventry...
, Colchester United
Colchester United F.C.
Colchester United Football Club is an English football club based in Colchester. The club was formed in 1937, and briefly shared their old Layer Road home with now defunct side Colchester Town who had previously used the ground from 1910....
and Queens Park Rangers
Queens Park Rangers F.C.
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in White City, Hammersmith and Fulham, west London. As the 2010-11 Football League Championship champions, they now play in the top tier of English football the Premier League, for the first time in 15 years...
, but was in talks to sign for Leicester City
Leicester City F.C.
Leicester City Football Club , also known as The Foxes, is an English professional football club based at the King Power Stadium in Leicester...
, after discussing terms at the Walkers Stadium
Walkers Stadium
The King Power Stadium is a football stadium which hosts home matches of English football club Leicester City. The all-seater stadium, inaugurated in July 2002, holds 32,500 and has the 19th largest stadium capacity in England. The stadium is named after King Power, a company owned by club owner...
on 2 January 2008. However, the player returned to the Sixfields Stadium
Sixfields Stadium
Sixfields Stadium is a 7,653-capacity all-seater sports stadium in Northampton, England. It has been the home ground of Northampton Town Football Club following their move from the County Ground in October 1994....
, having failed to reach an agreement with the club.
Leeds United
Two days later, Leeds United confirmed reports that they had been given permission from Northampton to speak to Johnson, regarding a contract. He went on to sign a three-and-a-half-year deal for £250,000 after undergoing a medical at the club's Thorp Arch training ground on 8 January 2008.Johnson made his first appearance for Leeds on 14 January, when he replaced David Prutton
David Prutton
David Thomas Michael Prutton is an English footballer, currently playing for Sheffield Wednesday after leaving Swindon Town, having previously played for Nottingham Forest, Southampton and Leeds United, as well as representing England at Under 21 level 25 times.- Nottingham Forest :Prutton was...
in their league fixture against Crewe Alexandra
Crewe Alexandra F.C.
Crewe Alexandra Football Club is an English professional football club based in Crewe, Cheshire. Nicknamed The Railwaymen due to the town's links with the rail industry, they currently play in Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football, and are based at the Alexandra Stadium.The club...
at the Alexandra Stadium
Alexandra Stadium
The Alexandra Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Crewe, England. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home ground of Crewe Alexandra...
. He scored his first goal for the club at Elland Road in a fixture against Bournemouth
A.F.C. Bournemouth
A.F.C. Bournemouth is an English football club currently playing in Football League One. The club plays at Dean Court in Kings Park, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset and have been in existence since 1899....
on 8 March, when he scored the first goal in the 2–0 victory. Despite growing up as a central midfielder, Johnson has established himself on the left wing under Leeds manager Gary McAllister
Gary McAllister
Gary McAllister MBE is a Scottish former professional footballer.McAllister played primarily as a midfielder, in a successful career spanning over nineteen years. He started his career at local side Motherwell before moving south of the border to Leicester City at the age of 20...
, although he did play at left back in the last game of the 2007–08 season (against Gillingham
Gillingham F.C.
Gillingham Football Club is an English professional football club based in the town of Gillingham, Kent. The only Kent-based club in the Football League, they play their home matches at the Priestfield Stadium...
), scoring a long-range volley in the process. He stated that he would "never forget that moment".. Johnson played for Leeds in the League 1 playoff final against Doncaster Rovers at Wembley, but was on the losing side as Leeds lost 1–0.
After struggling to get a first team place under manager Gary McAllister
Gary McAllister
Gary McAllister MBE is a Scottish former professional footballer.McAllister played primarily as a midfielder, in a successful career spanning over nineteen years. He started his career at local side Motherwell before moving south of the border to Leicester City at the age of 20...
due to the emergence of Fabian Delph
Fabian Delph
Fabian Delph is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder for Aston Villa and has represented his country at under-21 level. He was on the books of Bradford City as a youngster until he moved to Leeds United aged just 11...
, Johnson became surplus to requirements under his management and On 27 October 2008, it was revealed that Johnson had joined League One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
rivals Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club are an English association football club based in the coastal city of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex. They currently play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system....
on loan until 3 January 2009. Johnson scored twice on his debut during the 3–2 victory over Leicester City. Johnson scored four goals in 10 games on loan at Brighton before returning to his parent club Leeds United who had been taken over by new manager Simon Grayson
Simon Grayson
Simon Nicholas Grayson is a retired English footballer and current manager of Leeds United. He is the elder brother of cricketer Paul Grayson....
whilst Johnson had been out on loan, Johnson found himself back in the first team picture as Leeds reached the playoff semi finals against Millwall, with Johnson almost scoring a late goal for Leeds in the second leg at Elland Road, only to watch his long range effort sail narrowly wide of the post.
Johnson started the 2009–10 season as Leeds United's regular left winger. He scored his first goal of the new season with a diving header in a 2–1 victory away at Walsall. His second goal of the season came in the following game of the campaign, in a 3–0 win over Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere Rovers F.C.
Tranmere Rovers Football Club are an English team based in Birkenhead, Wirral. The club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system...
, which helped Leeds extend their winning run at home in the League to 13 games, equalling a record set 40 years earlier, by Don Revie
Don Revie
Donald George 'Don' Revie, OBE, , was an English footballer who played for Leicester City, Hull City, Sunderland, Manchester City and Leeds United as a deep-lying centre forward. After managing Leeds United he managed England from 1974 until 1977...
's side of 1969.
On 13 October, Johnson revealed that he wanted to stay at Leeds longer than his existing contract and was hoping to sign a new longer term contract. Johnson returned after more than a month out through injury as a second half substitute against Southampton, where he replaced Jonny Howson
Jonathan Howson
Jonathan Mark "Jonny" Howson is an English footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Football League Championship team Leeds United. A graduate of Leeds' prolific youth system, he serves as club captain....
in the second half, with Leeds scoring the winner shortly after his introduction.
Johnson played in Leeds' famous FA Cup victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The following game against Wycombe Wanderers with Andy Hughes
Andy Hughes
Andy Hughes was an English electronic music producer from Harrow, Middlesex . He is most known for his work with The Orb, where he helped mix and produce Orbus Terrarum, Orblivion, and Cydonia, as well as The Orb's singles from this period. Hughes left The Orb during the production of Cydonia,...
out injured Johnson dropped back into the left back position with Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass is a Scottish footballer who plays for Leeds United as a winger comfortable playing on either side of the pitch. He can also play as a forward...
coming into the team. Johnson was playing on the left of the midfield for Leeds when they earned a 2–2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup on 23 January 2010. After a defeat to Swindon Town Johnson was dropped to the bench for the next game against Colchester United, Johnson came on as a second half substitute playing at left back after replacing debutant Shane Lowry
Shane Lowry (footballer)
Shane Thomas Lowry is an Irish-Australian professional football player who currently plays as a centre defender or left fullback for the Australia national football team and Millwall, on loan from Aston Villa...
. After playing in the replay against Tottenham Hotspur Johnson was dropped to the bench against Hartlepool United and replaced in the side by Gary McSheffrey
Gary McSheffrey
Gary McSheffrey is an English footballer who plays as a left winger. He is currently in his second spell with hometown team Coventry City in the Football League Championship....
. Johnson came on as a second half substitute for Leeds in the second half of the Football League Trophy Northern Area Final second leg, Leeds won the game 3–2 but when the match went to Penalties Johnson took Leeds' first penalty and had it brilliantly saved by Carlisle United goalkeeper Adam Collin
Adam Collin
Adam Collin is a goalkeeper with League One side Carlisle United. Collin was a goalkeeper with Conference North side Workington in the 2008–09 season....
.
After impressing as a substitute against Carlisle, Johnson came back into Leeds' starting lineup vs Leyton Orient. Johnson played an instrumental part as Leeds were promoted to the Football League Championship after finishing in 2nd place in League 1 and thus earning automatic promotion. Johnson gained an assist for Leeds in their match against Nottingham Forest, providing a cross for Lloyd Sam
Lloyd Sam
Lloyd Ekow Sam is a professional English footballer of Ghanaian heritage, who plays in midfield as a Winger who is comfortable playing on either side of the pitch. He is currently playing for Leeds United after leaving Charlton Athletic. As a child he spent some of his childhood living in Senegal...
to head home. Johnson scored his 1st goal of the season in the match against Swansea City
Johnson scored Leeds' winner and his second goal of the season against Sheffield United when slotting into an empty net after an assist by Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass is a Scottish footballer who plays for Leeds United as a winger comfortable playing on either side of the pitch. He can also play as a forward...
. Johnson confirmed that he was in contract negotiations with Leeds about extending his deal and was hoping to stay at the club. After being a regular name on the team sheet, Johnson dropped to the bench against Middlesbrough, however after Sanchez Watt
Sanchez Watt
Herschel Oulio Sanchez Watt , more commonly known as Sanchez Watt, is an English footballer who plays as a winger for Arsenal, currently on loan at Sheffield Wednesday...
picked up an injury, Johnson came on as a half time substitute and managed to gain an assist for Luciano Becchio
Luciano Becchio
Luciano Héctor Becchio is an Argentine footballer who plays for Leeds United as a striker. Born in Córdoba, Argentina, Becchio began his career at Boca Juniors before moving to Europe on an Italian passport, where he established himself in the Spanish lower leagues.He moved to England in the...
's goal.
In November 2010, Johnson turned down the offer of a new three-year deal at Leeds United after contract negotiations, this reportedly alerted Rangers
Rangers F.C.
Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
, Stoke City and Blackpool
Blackpool F.C.
Blackpool Football Club are an English football club founded in 1887 from the Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool. They are competing in the 2011–12 season of the The Championship, the second tier of professional football in England, having been relegated from the Premier League at the end of the...
who are all believed to be interested in Johnson. Manager Simon Grayson
Simon Grayson
Simon Nicholas Grayson is a retired English footballer and current manager of Leeds United. He is the elder brother of cricketer Paul Grayson....
confirmed Johnson had rejected a new contract but said that contract negotiations with Johnson would still be ongoing despite his refusal of the first contract offer. Johnson scored his third goal of the season against Hull City
Hull City A.F.C.
Hull City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, founded in 1904. The club participates in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football...
, however Johnson cost his side all three points by scoring an own goal in the same game
On 18 November, Johnson was transfer listed by Leeds after rejecting Leeds' final contract offer. Leeds statement said that they would sell him in the January transfer window if they receive an acceptable offer for him Johnson was linked with Premiership clubs Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City Johnson was given jeers and 'ironic cheers' by a some portions of Leeds fans unhappy with him rejecting a new deal when he was substituted against Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
, the game was the first home game Johnson had played since being put on the transfer list for rejecting the clubs offers of a new contact. A war of words between Chairman Ken Bates
Ken Bates
Kenneth William Bates is a British businessman and football executive. The current chairman and now owner of Leeds United AFC, Bates was previously chairman and majority shareholder of Chelsea FC from 1982 until 2003....
and Johnson ensued, Bates claimed that Johnson was not answering his calls. Johnson claimed he only wanted parity with other players for his wage demands. On 14 December, Johnson was linked with a move to Premier League side Wigan Athletic. Wigan manager Roberto Martinez
Roberto Martinez
Roberto Martinez is the name of:* Roberto Martínez Lacayo, President of Nicaragua* Roberto Martínez y Gutiérrez, Mexican bishop consecrated by Moisés CarmonaSports* Roberto Martínez , Honduran boxer...
when questioned about Johnson neither confirmed or denied his interest in Johnson. Johnson scored his fourth goal of the season against Portsmouth. On 8 January, Johnson helped earn Leeds a 1-1 draw against his former side, Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
, Leeds were 1-0 up after Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass is a Scottish footballer who plays for Leeds United as a winger comfortable playing on either side of the pitch. He can also play as a forward...
scored a second half penalty. Arsenal equalized in the 90th minute when Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fàbregas
Francesc "Cesc" Fàbregas i Soler is a Spanish footballer who plays as a central midfielder for La Liga club FC Barcelona.Fàbregas started his career as a trainee with Barcelona but was signed by Premier League side Arsenal in September 2003 at the age of 16...
scored a penalty, forcing a replay at Leeds.
On 13 January, despite Johnson being on the transfer list, manager Simon Grayson
Simon Grayson
Simon Nicholas Grayson is a retired English footballer and current manager of Leeds United. He is the elder brother of cricketer Paul Grayson....
revealed that he wouldn't be able to sell Johnson unless a replacement had been brought in beforehand. With Neil Kilkenny
Neil Kilkenny
Neil Martin Kilkenny is an English-born Australian football player who plays for Bristol City as a midfielder. He is a member of the Australia national team.-Early life and career:...
away on international duty and Amdy Faye leaving the club, Grayson admitted he wouldn't be able to sell Johnson as it would leave him short in centre midfield. Johnson scored his fifth goal of the season against Scunthorpe United
Scunthorpe United F.C.
Scunthorpe United Football Club is an English association football team based in the town of Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, who play in the Football League One....
with a 25-yard strike.
On 18 January, Johnson scored his sixth goal of the season in an FA Cup Third Round Replay against Arsenal at Elland Road. Johnson scored with a long range effort from 28-yards. Arsenal went on to win the replay 3–1. Johnson was sent off against Barnsley when he received two bookable offences during the game. On 30 April 2011, Johnson won Leeds' Goal Of The Season award for his strike against Arsenal. Ken Bates
Ken Bates
Kenneth William Bates is a British businessman and football executive. The current chairman and now owner of Leeds United AFC, Bates was previously chairman and majority shareholder of Chelsea FC from 1982 until 2003....
announced that talks between Johnson and the club were ongoing on 12 May, and that he was hopeful that Johnson would sign a new contract with Leeds.
On 26 May it was confirmed that Bradley Johnson had rejected a new contract offered by Leeds United and that he would be leaving the club.
He received some flack from fans who thought he dishonoured the club by leaving, a spokesperson named Nadav Winehouse confirmed this and that it would not affect his decision.
Norwich City
On 1 July, he signed a three-year deal with Norwich CityNorwich City F.C.
Norwich City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Norwich, Norfolk. As of the 2011–12 season, Norwich City are again playing in the Premier League after a six-year absence, having finished as runner up in the Championship in 2010–11 and winning automatic promotion.The...
. Johnson made his first appearance for Norwich in the 7–0 away win over Gorelston
Gorleston F.C.
Gorleston F.C. is an English football club based in Gorleston, Norfolk. They are currently members of the Eastern Counties League Premier Division and play at Emerald Park.The club is affiliated to the Norfolk County FA.-History:...
, the club's first pre season fixture before the 2011–12 season
2011–12 Premier League
The 2011–12 Premier League is the twentieth season of the Premier League since its establishment in 1992. The 2011–12 fixtures were announced on 17 June 2011 at 9:00 BST. The season began on 13 August 2011 and is due to end on 13 May 2012...
. He was handed squad number 4, which was vacated by Matthew Gill
Matthew Gill
Mathew James Gill is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Football League Two side Bristol Rovers where he is also club captain.-Peterborough United:...
when he was released by the club. Johnson did not make an appearance off the bench in Norwich's first Premier League fixture of the 2011–12 season, though he set up Richie De Laet
Richie De Laet
Ritchie Ria Alfons De Laet is a Belgian footballer who currently plays as a defender for English side Norwich City on loan from Manchester United.-Stoke City:De Laet began his career at Belgian club Royal Antwerp...
's opener against in Norwich's first home match of the season with a curling free kick
Indirect free kick
An indirect free kick is a method of restarting play in a game of association football. Unlike a direct free kick, a goal may not be scored directly from the kick. The law was derived from the Sheffield Rules that stated that no goal could be scored from a free kick...
headed in by the Belgian. Johnson scored his first Norwich goal against Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
on 17 September 2011 at the Reebok Stadium
Reebok Stadium
The Reebok Stadium is the home stadium of English Premier League football club Bolton Wanderers, and is located on the Middlebrook Retail Park in Horwich, in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. It is commonly known as 'The Reebok'...
with a "classy header".
International eligibilty for USA
On 9 October 2009, Johnson claimed that he was eligible to play for the United States national teamUnited States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
due to his African-American grandfather. He also revealed he had held talks with USA Coach Bob Bradley
Bob Bradley
Robert "Bob" Bradley is an American soccer coach and the current manager of the Egypt national football team, taking over in September 2011. He previously managed the United States men's national soccer team...
However, Johnson wasn't aware that unlike European rules, this doesn't qualify players for US citizenship. Unless Johnson was able to apply for US citizenship, with the result of the application likely being a rejection.
In October 2010, Johnson reiterated his desire to play for the USA national team in the future.
On 1 October 2011, it was rumoured that Johnson was on the radar of Fabio Capello and would be named in his 25 man England squad for the Euro 2012 qualifier versus Montenegro.
Leeds United
- Coca-Cola League One Runners Up (Promoted): 2009–2010
- League OneFootball League OneFootball League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
Playoff final runner up 2007–082009–10 Football LeagueThe Football League 2009–10, called the Coca-Cola Football League for sponsorship reasons, was the 110th completed season of the Football League. It began in August 2009 and concluded in May 2010, with the promotion play-off finals. The Football League is contested through three Divisions. The...
Individual
- Leeds United Player of the Year Awards – 2010–11: Goal Of The Season Award: VS Arsenal
Career statistics
Bradley Paul Johnson (born 28 April 1987) is an EnglishEngland
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
footballer who plays as a midfielder
Midfielder
A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role...
for Norwich City
Norwich City F.C.
Norwich City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Norwich, Norfolk. As of the 2011–12 season, Norwich City are again playing in the Premier League after a six-year absence, having finished as runner up in the Championship in 2010–11 and winning automatic promotion.The...
. His primary position is a central midfielder, but he can also play as a left winger and as a left back.
Club career
Born in HackneyLondon Borough of Hackney
The London Borough of Hackney is a London borough of North/North East London, and forms part of inner London. The local authority is Hackney London Borough Council....
, Greater London
Greater London
Greater London is the top-level administrative division of England covering London. It was created in 1965 and spans the City of London, including Middle Temple and Inner Temple, and the 32 London boroughs. This territory is coterminate with the London Government Office Region and the London...
, Johnson started his career at his boyhood team Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
but was released by the club when he was 15 years old. After leaving Arsenal, he made several appearances for Waltham Forest F.C.
Waltham Forest F.C.
Waltham Forest F.C. are a football club from Walthamstow, who play in the Isthmian League First Division North. They have played under a number of names and were known as Leyton Pennant up until the end of the 2002–03 season.-History:...
, in the Ryman Division 1 North. He then joined the youth ranks at Cambridge United and after breaking into the first team he then moved to league club Northampton Town
Northampton Town F.C.
Northampton Town Football Club are an English professional football club based in Northampton, Northamptonshire. They currently play in Football League Two, the lowest league division, after being relegated from League One on the last day of the 2008–09 season...
, where he signed on 16 May 2005. During his time at the club he was sent out on loan twice, playing for Gravesend & Northfleet and Stevenage Borough
Stevenage Borough F.C.
Stevenage Football Club is an English football club based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The club currently participate in League One, the third tier of English football, having won promotion from League Two in the 2010–11 season...
. Following the appointment of Stuart Gray
Stuart Gray (footballer born 1960)
Stuart Gray is an English former footballer and manager, who is the former manager of Football League Two side Northampton Town. On 30th December 2010 he was appointed the caretaker manager of Burnley following the sacking of Brian Laws, reverting to his role as first team coach when Eddie Howe...
as Northampton manager, Johnson featured in practically every single starting eleven that he named and he signed a new two-year contract extension.
Johnson began to attract attention from a host of Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
sides, including Coventry City
Coventry City F.C.
Coventry City Football Club, otherwise known as the Sky Blues owing to the traditional colour of their strip, are a professional English Football league club based in Coventry...
, Colchester United
Colchester United F.C.
Colchester United Football Club is an English football club based in Colchester. The club was formed in 1937, and briefly shared their old Layer Road home with now defunct side Colchester Town who had previously used the ground from 1910....
and Queens Park Rangers
Queens Park Rangers F.C.
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in White City, Hammersmith and Fulham, west London. As the 2010-11 Football League Championship champions, they now play in the top tier of English football the Premier League, for the first time in 15 years...
, but was in talks to sign for Leicester City
Leicester City F.C.
Leicester City Football Club , also known as The Foxes, is an English professional football club based at the King Power Stadium in Leicester...
, after discussing terms at the Walkers Stadium
Walkers Stadium
The King Power Stadium is a football stadium which hosts home matches of English football club Leicester City. The all-seater stadium, inaugurated in July 2002, holds 32,500 and has the 19th largest stadium capacity in England. The stadium is named after King Power, a company owned by club owner...
on 2 January 2008. However, the player returned to the Sixfields Stadium
Sixfields Stadium
Sixfields Stadium is a 7,653-capacity all-seater sports stadium in Northampton, England. It has been the home ground of Northampton Town Football Club following their move from the County Ground in October 1994....
, having failed to reach an agreement with the club.
Leeds United
Two days later, Leeds United confirmed reports that they had been given permission from Northampton to speak to Johnson, regarding a contract. He went on to sign a three-and-a-half-year deal for £250,000 after undergoing a medical at the club's Thorp Arch training ground on 8 January 2008.Johnson made his first appearance for Leeds on 14 January, when he replaced David Prutton
David Prutton
David Thomas Michael Prutton is an English footballer, currently playing for Sheffield Wednesday after leaving Swindon Town, having previously played for Nottingham Forest, Southampton and Leeds United, as well as representing England at Under 21 level 25 times.- Nottingham Forest :Prutton was...
in their league fixture against Crewe Alexandra
Crewe Alexandra F.C.
Crewe Alexandra Football Club is an English professional football club based in Crewe, Cheshire. Nicknamed The Railwaymen due to the town's links with the rail industry, they currently play in Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football, and are based at the Alexandra Stadium.The club...
at the Alexandra Stadium
Alexandra Stadium
The Alexandra Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Crewe, England. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home ground of Crewe Alexandra...
. He scored his first goal for the club at Elland Road in a fixture against Bournemouth
A.F.C. Bournemouth
A.F.C. Bournemouth is an English football club currently playing in Football League One. The club plays at Dean Court in Kings Park, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset and have been in existence since 1899....
on 8 March, when he scored the first goal in the 2–0 victory. Despite growing up as a central midfielder, Johnson has established himself on the left wing under Leeds manager Gary McAllister
Gary McAllister
Gary McAllister MBE is a Scottish former professional footballer.McAllister played primarily as a midfielder, in a successful career spanning over nineteen years. He started his career at local side Motherwell before moving south of the border to Leicester City at the age of 20...
, although he did play at left back in the last game of the 2007–08 season (against Gillingham
Gillingham F.C.
Gillingham Football Club is an English professional football club based in the town of Gillingham, Kent. The only Kent-based club in the Football League, they play their home matches at the Priestfield Stadium...
), scoring a long-range volley in the process. He stated that he would "never forget that moment".. Johnson played for Leeds in the League 1 playoff final against Doncaster Rovers at Wembley, but was on the losing side as Leeds lost 1–0.
After struggling to get a first team place under manager Gary McAllister
Gary McAllister
Gary McAllister MBE is a Scottish former professional footballer.McAllister played primarily as a midfielder, in a successful career spanning over nineteen years. He started his career at local side Motherwell before moving south of the border to Leicester City at the age of 20...
due to the emergence of Fabian Delph
Fabian Delph
Fabian Delph is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder for Aston Villa and has represented his country at under-21 level. He was on the books of Bradford City as a youngster until he moved to Leeds United aged just 11...
, Johnson became surplus to requirements under his management and On 27 October 2008, it was revealed that Johnson had joined League One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
rivals Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club are an English association football club based in the coastal city of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex. They currently play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system....
on loan until 3 January 2009. Johnson scored twice on his debut during the 3–2 victory over Leicester City. Johnson scored four goals in 10 games on loan at Brighton before returning to his parent club Leeds United who had been taken over by new manager Simon Grayson
Simon Grayson
Simon Nicholas Grayson is a retired English footballer and current manager of Leeds United. He is the elder brother of cricketer Paul Grayson....
whilst Johnson had been out on loan, Johnson found himself back in the first team picture as Leeds reached the playoff semi finals against Millwall, with Johnson almost scoring a late goal for Leeds in the second leg at Elland Road, only to watch his long range effort sail narrowly wide of the post.
Johnson started the 2009–10 season as Leeds United's regular left winger. He scored his first goal of the new season with a diving header in a 2–1 victory away at Walsall. His second goal of the season came in the following game of the campaign, in a 3–0 win over Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere Rovers F.C.
Tranmere Rovers Football Club are an English team based in Birkenhead, Wirral. The club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system...
, which helped Leeds extend their winning run at home in the League to 13 games, equalling a record set 40 years earlier, by Don Revie
Don Revie
Donald George 'Don' Revie, OBE, , was an English footballer who played for Leicester City, Hull City, Sunderland, Manchester City and Leeds United as a deep-lying centre forward. After managing Leeds United he managed England from 1974 until 1977...
's side of 1969.
On 13 October, Johnson revealed that he wanted to stay at Leeds longer than his existing contract and was hoping to sign a new longer term contract. Johnson returned after more than a month out through injury as a second half substitute against Southampton, where he replaced Jonny Howson
Jonathan Howson
Jonathan Mark "Jonny" Howson is an English footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Football League Championship team Leeds United. A graduate of Leeds' prolific youth system, he serves as club captain....
in the second half, with Leeds scoring the winner shortly after his introduction.
Johnson played in Leeds' famous FA Cup victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The following game against Wycombe Wanderers with Andy Hughes
Andy Hughes
Andy Hughes was an English electronic music producer from Harrow, Middlesex . He is most known for his work with The Orb, where he helped mix and produce Orbus Terrarum, Orblivion, and Cydonia, as well as The Orb's singles from this period. Hughes left The Orb during the production of Cydonia,...
out injured Johnson dropped back into the left back position with Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass is a Scottish footballer who plays for Leeds United as a winger comfortable playing on either side of the pitch. He can also play as a forward...
coming into the team. Johnson was playing on the left of the midfield for Leeds when they earned a 2–2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup on 23 January 2010. After a defeat to Swindon Town Johnson was dropped to the bench for the next game against Colchester United, Johnson came on as a second half substitute playing at left back after replacing debutant Shane Lowry
Shane Lowry (footballer)
Shane Thomas Lowry is an Irish-Australian professional football player who currently plays as a centre defender or left fullback for the Australia national football team and Millwall, on loan from Aston Villa...
. After playing in the replay against Tottenham Hotspur Johnson was dropped to the bench against Hartlepool United and replaced in the side by Gary McSheffrey
Gary McSheffrey
Gary McSheffrey is an English footballer who plays as a left winger. He is currently in his second spell with hometown team Coventry City in the Football League Championship....
. Johnson came on as a second half substitute for Leeds in the second half of the Football League Trophy Northern Area Final second leg, Leeds won the game 3–2 but when the match went to Penalties Johnson took Leeds' first penalty and had it brilliantly saved by Carlisle United goalkeeper Adam Collin
Adam Collin
Adam Collin is a goalkeeper with League One side Carlisle United. Collin was a goalkeeper with Conference North side Workington in the 2008–09 season....
.
After impressing as a substitute against Carlisle, Johnson came back into Leeds' starting lineup vs Leyton Orient. Johnson played an instrumental part as Leeds were promoted to the Football League Championship after finishing in 2nd place in League 1 and thus earning automatic promotion. Johnson gained an assist for Leeds in their match against Nottingham Forest, providing a cross for Lloyd Sam
Lloyd Sam
Lloyd Ekow Sam is a professional English footballer of Ghanaian heritage, who plays in midfield as a Winger who is comfortable playing on either side of the pitch. He is currently playing for Leeds United after leaving Charlton Athletic. As a child he spent some of his childhood living in Senegal...
to head home. Johnson scored his 1st goal of the season in the match against Swansea City
Johnson scored Leeds' winner and his second goal of the season against Sheffield United when slotting into an empty net after an assist by Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass is a Scottish footballer who plays for Leeds United as a winger comfortable playing on either side of the pitch. He can also play as a forward...
. Johnson confirmed that he was in contract negotiations with Leeds about extending his deal and was hoping to stay at the club. After being a regular name on the team sheet, Johnson dropped to the bench against Middlesbrough, however after Sanchez Watt
Sanchez Watt
Herschel Oulio Sanchez Watt , more commonly known as Sanchez Watt, is an English footballer who plays as a winger for Arsenal, currently on loan at Sheffield Wednesday...
picked up an injury, Johnson came on as a half time substitute and managed to gain an assist for Luciano Becchio
Luciano Becchio
Luciano Héctor Becchio is an Argentine footballer who plays for Leeds United as a striker. Born in Córdoba, Argentina, Becchio began his career at Boca Juniors before moving to Europe on an Italian passport, where he established himself in the Spanish lower leagues.He moved to England in the...
's goal.
In November 2010, Johnson turned down the offer of a new three-year deal at Leeds United after contract negotiations, this reportedly alerted Rangers
Rangers F.C.
Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
, Stoke City and Blackpool
Blackpool F.C.
Blackpool Football Club are an English football club founded in 1887 from the Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool. They are competing in the 2011–12 season of the The Championship, the second tier of professional football in England, having been relegated from the Premier League at the end of the...
who are all believed to be interested in Johnson. Manager Simon Grayson
Simon Grayson
Simon Nicholas Grayson is a retired English footballer and current manager of Leeds United. He is the elder brother of cricketer Paul Grayson....
confirmed Johnson had rejected a new contract but said that contract negotiations with Johnson would still be ongoing despite his refusal of the first contract offer. Johnson scored his third goal of the season against Hull City
Hull City A.F.C.
Hull City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, founded in 1904. The club participates in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football...
, however Johnson cost his side all three points by scoring an own goal in the same game
On 18 November, Johnson was transfer listed by Leeds after rejecting Leeds' final contract offer. Leeds statement said that they would sell him in the January transfer window if they receive an acceptable offer for him Johnson was linked with Premiership clubs Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City Johnson was given jeers and 'ironic cheers' by a some portions of Leeds fans unhappy with him rejecting a new deal when he was substituted against Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
, the game was the first home game Johnson had played since being put on the transfer list for rejecting the clubs offers of a new contact. A war of words between Chairman Ken Bates
Ken Bates
Kenneth William Bates is a British businessman and football executive. The current chairman and now owner of Leeds United AFC, Bates was previously chairman and majority shareholder of Chelsea FC from 1982 until 2003....
and Johnson ensued, Bates claimed that Johnson was not answering his calls. Johnson claimed he only wanted parity with other players for his wage demands. On 14 December, Johnson was linked with a move to Premier League side Wigan Athletic. Wigan manager Roberto Martinez
Roberto Martinez
Roberto Martinez is the name of:* Roberto Martínez Lacayo, President of Nicaragua* Roberto Martínez y Gutiérrez, Mexican bishop consecrated by Moisés CarmonaSports* Roberto Martínez , Honduran boxer...
when questioned about Johnson neither confirmed or denied his interest in Johnson. Johnson scored his fourth goal of the season against Portsmouth. On 8 January, Johnson helped earn Leeds a 1-1 draw against his former side, Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
, Leeds were 1-0 up after Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass is a Scottish footballer who plays for Leeds United as a winger comfortable playing on either side of the pitch. He can also play as a forward...
scored a second half penalty. Arsenal equalized in the 90th minute when Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fàbregas
Francesc "Cesc" Fàbregas i Soler is a Spanish footballer who plays as a central midfielder for La Liga club FC Barcelona.Fàbregas started his career as a trainee with Barcelona but was signed by Premier League side Arsenal in September 2003 at the age of 16...
scored a penalty, forcing a replay at Leeds.
On 13 January, despite Johnson being on the transfer list, manager Simon Grayson
Simon Grayson
Simon Nicholas Grayson is a retired English footballer and current manager of Leeds United. He is the elder brother of cricketer Paul Grayson....
revealed that he wouldn't be able to sell Johnson unless a replacement had been brought in beforehand. With Neil Kilkenny
Neil Kilkenny
Neil Martin Kilkenny is an English-born Australian football player who plays for Bristol City as a midfielder. He is a member of the Australia national team.-Early life and career:...
away on international duty and Amdy Faye leaving the club, Grayson admitted he wouldn't be able to sell Johnson as it would leave him short in centre midfield. Johnson scored his fifth goal of the season against Scunthorpe United
Scunthorpe United F.C.
Scunthorpe United Football Club is an English association football team based in the town of Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, who play in the Football League One....
with a 25-yard strike.
On 18 January, Johnson scored his sixth goal of the season in an FA Cup Third Round Replay against Arsenal at Elland Road. Johnson scored with a long range effort from 28-yards. Arsenal went on to win the replay 3–1. Johnson was sent off against Barnsley when he received two bookable offences during the game. On 30 April 2011, Johnson won Leeds' Goal Of The Season award for his strike against Arsenal. Ken Bates
Ken Bates
Kenneth William Bates is a British businessman and football executive. The current chairman and now owner of Leeds United AFC, Bates was previously chairman and majority shareholder of Chelsea FC from 1982 until 2003....
announced that talks between Johnson and the club were ongoing on 12 May, and that he was hopeful that Johnson would sign a new contract with Leeds.
On 26 May it was confirmed that Bradley Johnson had rejected a new contract offered by Leeds United and that he would be leaving the club.
He received some flack from fans who thought he dishonoured the club by leaving, a spokesperson named Nadav Winehouse confirmed this and that it would not affect his decision.
Norwich City
On 1 July, he signed a three-year deal with Norwich CityNorwich City F.C.
Norwich City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Norwich, Norfolk. As of the 2011–12 season, Norwich City are again playing in the Premier League after a six-year absence, having finished as runner up in the Championship in 2010–11 and winning automatic promotion.The...
. Johnson made his first appearance for Norwich in the 7–0 away win over Gorelston
Gorleston F.C.
Gorleston F.C. is an English football club based in Gorleston, Norfolk. They are currently members of the Eastern Counties League Premier Division and play at Emerald Park.The club is affiliated to the Norfolk County FA.-History:...
, the club's first pre season fixture before the 2011–12 season
2011–12 Premier League
The 2011–12 Premier League is the twentieth season of the Premier League since its establishment in 1992. The 2011–12 fixtures were announced on 17 June 2011 at 9:00 BST. The season began on 13 August 2011 and is due to end on 13 May 2012...
. He was handed squad number 4, which was vacated by Matthew Gill
Matthew Gill
Mathew James Gill is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Football League Two side Bristol Rovers where he is also club captain.-Peterborough United:...
when he was released by the club. Johnson did not make an appearance off the bench in Norwich's first Premier League fixture of the 2011–12 season, though he set up Richie De Laet
Richie De Laet
Ritchie Ria Alfons De Laet is a Belgian footballer who currently plays as a defender for English side Norwich City on loan from Manchester United.-Stoke City:De Laet began his career at Belgian club Royal Antwerp...
's opener against in Norwich's first home match of the season with a curling free kick
Indirect free kick
An indirect free kick is a method of restarting play in a game of association football. Unlike a direct free kick, a goal may not be scored directly from the kick. The law was derived from the Sheffield Rules that stated that no goal could be scored from a free kick...
headed in by the Belgian. Johnson scored his first Norwich goal against Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
on 17 September 2011 at the Reebok Stadium
Reebok Stadium
The Reebok Stadium is the home stadium of English Premier League football club Bolton Wanderers, and is located on the Middlebrook Retail Park in Horwich, in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. It is commonly known as 'The Reebok'...
with a "classy header".
International eligibilty for USA
On 9 October 2009, Johnson claimed that he was eligible to play for the United States national teamUnited States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
due to his African-American grandfather. He also revealed he had held talks with USA Coach Bob Bradley
Bob Bradley
Robert "Bob" Bradley is an American soccer coach and the current manager of the Egypt national football team, taking over in September 2011. He previously managed the United States men's national soccer team...
However, Johnson wasn't aware that unlike European rules, this doesn't qualify players for US citizenship. Unless Johnson was able to apply for US citizenship, with the result of the application likely being a rejection.
In October 2010, Johnson reiterated his desire to play for the USA national team in the future.
On 1 October 2011, it was rumoured that Johnson was on the radar of Fabio Capello and would be named in his 25 man England squad for the Euro 2012 qualifier versus Montenegro.
Leeds United
- Coca-Cola League One Runners Up (Promoted): 2009–2010
- League OneFootball League OneFootball League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
Playoff final runner up 2007–082009–10 Football LeagueThe Football League 2009–10, called the Coca-Cola Football League for sponsorship reasons, was the 110th completed season of the Football League. It began in August 2009 and concluded in May 2010, with the promotion play-off finals. The Football League is contested through three Divisions. The...
Individual
- Leeds United Player of the Year Awards – 2010–11: Goal Of The Season Award: VS Arsenal
Career statistics
Bradley Paul Johnson (born 28 April 1987) is an EnglishEngland
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
footballer who plays as a midfielder
Midfielder
A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role...
for Norwich City
Norwich City F.C.
Norwich City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Norwich, Norfolk. As of the 2011–12 season, Norwich City are again playing in the Premier League after a six-year absence, having finished as runner up in the Championship in 2010–11 and winning automatic promotion.The...
. His primary position is a central midfielder, but he can also play as a left winger and as a left back.
Club career
Born in HackneyLondon Borough of Hackney
The London Borough of Hackney is a London borough of North/North East London, and forms part of inner London. The local authority is Hackney London Borough Council....
, Greater London
Greater London
Greater London is the top-level administrative division of England covering London. It was created in 1965 and spans the City of London, including Middle Temple and Inner Temple, and the 32 London boroughs. This territory is coterminate with the London Government Office Region and the London...
, Johnson started his career at his boyhood team Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
but was released by the club when he was 15 years old. After leaving Arsenal, he made several appearances for Waltham Forest F.C.
Waltham Forest F.C.
Waltham Forest F.C. are a football club from Walthamstow, who play in the Isthmian League First Division North. They have played under a number of names and were known as Leyton Pennant up until the end of the 2002–03 season.-History:...
, in the Ryman Division 1 North. He then joined the youth ranks at Cambridge United and after breaking into the first team he then moved to league club Northampton Town
Northampton Town F.C.
Northampton Town Football Club are an English professional football club based in Northampton, Northamptonshire. They currently play in Football League Two, the lowest league division, after being relegated from League One on the last day of the 2008–09 season...
, where he signed on 16 May 2005. During his time at the club he was sent out on loan twice, playing for Gravesend & Northfleet and Stevenage Borough
Stevenage Borough F.C.
Stevenage Football Club is an English football club based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The club currently participate in League One, the third tier of English football, having won promotion from League Two in the 2010–11 season...
. Following the appointment of Stuart Gray
Stuart Gray (footballer born 1960)
Stuart Gray is an English former footballer and manager, who is the former manager of Football League Two side Northampton Town. On 30th December 2010 he was appointed the caretaker manager of Burnley following the sacking of Brian Laws, reverting to his role as first team coach when Eddie Howe...
as Northampton manager, Johnson featured in practically every single starting eleven that he named and he signed a new two-year contract extension.
Johnson began to attract attention from a host of Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
sides, including Coventry City
Coventry City F.C.
Coventry City Football Club, otherwise known as the Sky Blues owing to the traditional colour of their strip, are a professional English Football league club based in Coventry...
, Colchester United
Colchester United F.C.
Colchester United Football Club is an English football club based in Colchester. The club was formed in 1937, and briefly shared their old Layer Road home with now defunct side Colchester Town who had previously used the ground from 1910....
and Queens Park Rangers
Queens Park Rangers F.C.
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in White City, Hammersmith and Fulham, west London. As the 2010-11 Football League Championship champions, they now play in the top tier of English football the Premier League, for the first time in 15 years...
, but was in talks to sign for Leicester City
Leicester City F.C.
Leicester City Football Club , also known as The Foxes, is an English professional football club based at the King Power Stadium in Leicester...
, after discussing terms at the Walkers Stadium
Walkers Stadium
The King Power Stadium is a football stadium which hosts home matches of English football club Leicester City. The all-seater stadium, inaugurated in July 2002, holds 32,500 and has the 19th largest stadium capacity in England. The stadium is named after King Power, a company owned by club owner...
on 2 January 2008. However, the player returned to the Sixfields Stadium
Sixfields Stadium
Sixfields Stadium is a 7,653-capacity all-seater sports stadium in Northampton, England. It has been the home ground of Northampton Town Football Club following their move from the County Ground in October 1994....
, having failed to reach an agreement with the club.
Leeds United
Two days later, Leeds United confirmed reports that they had been given permission from Northampton to speak to Johnson, regarding a contract. He went on to sign a three-and-a-half-year deal for £250,000 after undergoing a medical at the club's Thorp Arch training ground on 8 January 2008.Johnson made his first appearance for Leeds on 14 January, when he replaced David Prutton
David Prutton
David Thomas Michael Prutton is an English footballer, currently playing for Sheffield Wednesday after leaving Swindon Town, having previously played for Nottingham Forest, Southampton and Leeds United, as well as representing England at Under 21 level 25 times.- Nottingham Forest :Prutton was...
in their league fixture against Crewe Alexandra
Crewe Alexandra F.C.
Crewe Alexandra Football Club is an English professional football club based in Crewe, Cheshire. Nicknamed The Railwaymen due to the town's links with the rail industry, they currently play in Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football, and are based at the Alexandra Stadium.The club...
at the Alexandra Stadium
Alexandra Stadium
The Alexandra Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Crewe, England. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home ground of Crewe Alexandra...
. He scored his first goal for the club at Elland Road in a fixture against Bournemouth
A.F.C. Bournemouth
A.F.C. Bournemouth is an English football club currently playing in Football League One. The club plays at Dean Court in Kings Park, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset and have been in existence since 1899....
on 8 March, when he scored the first goal in the 2–0 victory. Despite growing up as a central midfielder, Johnson has established himself on the left wing under Leeds manager Gary McAllister
Gary McAllister
Gary McAllister MBE is a Scottish former professional footballer.McAllister played primarily as a midfielder, in a successful career spanning over nineteen years. He started his career at local side Motherwell before moving south of the border to Leicester City at the age of 20...
, although he did play at left back in the last game of the 2007–08 season (against Gillingham
Gillingham F.C.
Gillingham Football Club is an English professional football club based in the town of Gillingham, Kent. The only Kent-based club in the Football League, they play their home matches at the Priestfield Stadium...
), scoring a long-range volley in the process. He stated that he would "never forget that moment".. Johnson played for Leeds in the League 1 playoff final against Doncaster Rovers at Wembley, but was on the losing side as Leeds lost 1–0.
After struggling to get a first team place under manager Gary McAllister
Gary McAllister
Gary McAllister MBE is a Scottish former professional footballer.McAllister played primarily as a midfielder, in a successful career spanning over nineteen years. He started his career at local side Motherwell before moving south of the border to Leicester City at the age of 20...
due to the emergence of Fabian Delph
Fabian Delph
Fabian Delph is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder for Aston Villa and has represented his country at under-21 level. He was on the books of Bradford City as a youngster until he moved to Leeds United aged just 11...
, Johnson became surplus to requirements under his management and On 27 October 2008, it was revealed that Johnson had joined League One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
rivals Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club are an English association football club based in the coastal city of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex. They currently play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system....
on loan until 3 January 2009. Johnson scored twice on his debut during the 3–2 victory over Leicester City. Johnson scored four goals in 10 games on loan at Brighton before returning to his parent club Leeds United who had been taken over by new manager Simon Grayson
Simon Grayson
Simon Nicholas Grayson is a retired English footballer and current manager of Leeds United. He is the elder brother of cricketer Paul Grayson....
whilst Johnson had been out on loan, Johnson found himself back in the first team picture as Leeds reached the playoff semi finals against Millwall, with Johnson almost scoring a late goal for Leeds in the second leg at Elland Road, only to watch his long range effort sail narrowly wide of the post.
Johnson started the 2009–10 season as Leeds United's regular left winger. He scored his first goal of the new season with a diving header in a 2–1 victory away at Walsall. His second goal of the season came in the following game of the campaign, in a 3–0 win over Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere Rovers F.C.
Tranmere Rovers Football Club are an English team based in Birkenhead, Wirral. The club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system...
, which helped Leeds extend their winning run at home in the League to 13 games, equalling a record set 40 years earlier, by Don Revie
Don Revie
Donald George 'Don' Revie, OBE, , was an English footballer who played for Leicester City, Hull City, Sunderland, Manchester City and Leeds United as a deep-lying centre forward. After managing Leeds United he managed England from 1974 until 1977...
's side of 1969.
On 13 October, Johnson revealed that he wanted to stay at Leeds longer than his existing contract and was hoping to sign a new longer term contract. Johnson returned after more than a month out through injury as a second half substitute against Southampton, where he replaced Jonny Howson
Jonathan Howson
Jonathan Mark "Jonny" Howson is an English footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Football League Championship team Leeds United. A graduate of Leeds' prolific youth system, he serves as club captain....
in the second half, with Leeds scoring the winner shortly after his introduction.
Johnson played in Leeds' famous FA Cup victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The following game against Wycombe Wanderers with Andy Hughes
Andy Hughes
Andy Hughes was an English electronic music producer from Harrow, Middlesex . He is most known for his work with The Orb, where he helped mix and produce Orbus Terrarum, Orblivion, and Cydonia, as well as The Orb's singles from this period. Hughes left The Orb during the production of Cydonia,...
out injured Johnson dropped back into the left back position with Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass is a Scottish footballer who plays for Leeds United as a winger comfortable playing on either side of the pitch. He can also play as a forward...
coming into the team. Johnson was playing on the left of the midfield for Leeds when they earned a 2–2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup on 23 January 2010. After a defeat to Swindon Town Johnson was dropped to the bench for the next game against Colchester United, Johnson came on as a second half substitute playing at left back after replacing debutant Shane Lowry
Shane Lowry (footballer)
Shane Thomas Lowry is an Irish-Australian professional football player who currently plays as a centre defender or left fullback for the Australia national football team and Millwall, on loan from Aston Villa...
. After playing in the replay against Tottenham Hotspur Johnson was dropped to the bench against Hartlepool United and replaced in the side by Gary McSheffrey
Gary McSheffrey
Gary McSheffrey is an English footballer who plays as a left winger. He is currently in his second spell with hometown team Coventry City in the Football League Championship....
. Johnson came on as a second half substitute for Leeds in the second half of the Football League Trophy Northern Area Final second leg, Leeds won the game 3–2 but when the match went to Penalties Johnson took Leeds' first penalty and had it brilliantly saved by Carlisle United goalkeeper Adam Collin
Adam Collin
Adam Collin is a goalkeeper with League One side Carlisle United. Collin was a goalkeeper with Conference North side Workington in the 2008–09 season....
.
After impressing as a substitute against Carlisle, Johnson came back into Leeds' starting lineup vs Leyton Orient. Johnson played an instrumental part as Leeds were promoted to the Football League Championship after finishing in 2nd place in League 1 and thus earning automatic promotion. Johnson gained an assist for Leeds in their match against Nottingham Forest, providing a cross for Lloyd Sam
Lloyd Sam
Lloyd Ekow Sam is a professional English footballer of Ghanaian heritage, who plays in midfield as a Winger who is comfortable playing on either side of the pitch. He is currently playing for Leeds United after leaving Charlton Athletic. As a child he spent some of his childhood living in Senegal...
to head home. Johnson scored his 1st goal of the season in the match against Swansea City
Johnson scored Leeds' winner and his second goal of the season against Sheffield United when slotting into an empty net after an assist by Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass is a Scottish footballer who plays for Leeds United as a winger comfortable playing on either side of the pitch. He can also play as a forward...
. Johnson confirmed that he was in contract negotiations with Leeds about extending his deal and was hoping to stay at the club. After being a regular name on the team sheet, Johnson dropped to the bench against Middlesbrough, however after Sanchez Watt
Sanchez Watt
Herschel Oulio Sanchez Watt , more commonly known as Sanchez Watt, is an English footballer who plays as a winger for Arsenal, currently on loan at Sheffield Wednesday...
picked up an injury, Johnson came on as a half time substitute and managed to gain an assist for Luciano Becchio
Luciano Becchio
Luciano Héctor Becchio is an Argentine footballer who plays for Leeds United as a striker. Born in Córdoba, Argentina, Becchio began his career at Boca Juniors before moving to Europe on an Italian passport, where he established himself in the Spanish lower leagues.He moved to England in the...
's goal.
In November 2010, Johnson turned down the offer of a new three-year deal at Leeds United after contract negotiations, this reportedly alerted Rangers
Rangers F.C.
Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
, Stoke City and Blackpool
Blackpool F.C.
Blackpool Football Club are an English football club founded in 1887 from the Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool. They are competing in the 2011–12 season of the The Championship, the second tier of professional football in England, having been relegated from the Premier League at the end of the...
who are all believed to be interested in Johnson. Manager Simon Grayson
Simon Grayson
Simon Nicholas Grayson is a retired English footballer and current manager of Leeds United. He is the elder brother of cricketer Paul Grayson....
confirmed Johnson had rejected a new contract but said that contract negotiations with Johnson would still be ongoing despite his refusal of the first contract offer. Johnson scored his third goal of the season against Hull City
Hull City A.F.C.
Hull City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, founded in 1904. The club participates in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football...
, however Johnson cost his side all three points by scoring an own goal in the same game
On 18 November, Johnson was transfer listed by Leeds after rejecting Leeds' final contract offer. Leeds statement said that they would sell him in the January transfer window if they receive an acceptable offer for him Johnson was linked with Premiership clubs Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City Johnson was given jeers and 'ironic cheers' by a some portions of Leeds fans unhappy with him rejecting a new deal when he was substituted against Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
, the game was the first home game Johnson had played since being put on the transfer list for rejecting the clubs offers of a new contact. A war of words between Chairman Ken Bates
Ken Bates
Kenneth William Bates is a British businessman and football executive. The current chairman and now owner of Leeds United AFC, Bates was previously chairman and majority shareholder of Chelsea FC from 1982 until 2003....
and Johnson ensued, Bates claimed that Johnson was not answering his calls. Johnson claimed he only wanted parity with other players for his wage demands. On 14 December, Johnson was linked with a move to Premier League side Wigan Athletic. Wigan manager Roberto Martinez
Roberto Martinez
Roberto Martinez is the name of:* Roberto Martínez Lacayo, President of Nicaragua* Roberto Martínez y Gutiérrez, Mexican bishop consecrated by Moisés CarmonaSports* Roberto Martínez , Honduran boxer...
when questioned about Johnson neither confirmed or denied his interest in Johnson. Johnson scored his fourth goal of the season against Portsmouth. On 8 January, Johnson helped earn Leeds a 1-1 draw against his former side, Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
, Leeds were 1-0 up after Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass is a Scottish footballer who plays for Leeds United as a winger comfortable playing on either side of the pitch. He can also play as a forward...
scored a second half penalty. Arsenal equalized in the 90th minute when Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fàbregas
Francesc "Cesc" Fàbregas i Soler is a Spanish footballer who plays as a central midfielder for La Liga club FC Barcelona.Fàbregas started his career as a trainee with Barcelona but was signed by Premier League side Arsenal in September 2003 at the age of 16...
scored a penalty, forcing a replay at Leeds.
On 13 January, despite Johnson being on the transfer list, manager Simon Grayson
Simon Grayson
Simon Nicholas Grayson is a retired English footballer and current manager of Leeds United. He is the elder brother of cricketer Paul Grayson....
revealed that he wouldn't be able to sell Johnson unless a replacement had been brought in beforehand. With Neil Kilkenny
Neil Kilkenny
Neil Martin Kilkenny is an English-born Australian football player who plays for Bristol City as a midfielder. He is a member of the Australia national team.-Early life and career:...
away on international duty and Amdy Faye leaving the club, Grayson admitted he wouldn't be able to sell Johnson as it would leave him short in centre midfield. Johnson scored his fifth goal of the season against Scunthorpe United
Scunthorpe United F.C.
Scunthorpe United Football Club is an English association football team based in the town of Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, who play in the Football League One....
with a 25-yard strike.
On 18 January, Johnson scored his sixth goal of the season in an FA Cup Third Round Replay against Arsenal at Elland Road. Johnson scored with a long range effort from 28-yards. Arsenal went on to win the replay 3–1. Johnson was sent off against Barnsley when he received two bookable offences during the game. On 30 April 2011, Johnson won Leeds' Goal Of The Season award for his strike against Arsenal. Ken Bates
Ken Bates
Kenneth William Bates is a British businessman and football executive. The current chairman and now owner of Leeds United AFC, Bates was previously chairman and majority shareholder of Chelsea FC from 1982 until 2003....
announced that talks between Johnson and the club were ongoing on 12 May, and that he was hopeful that Johnson would sign a new contract with Leeds.
On 26 May it was confirmed that Bradley Johnson had rejected a new contract offered by Leeds United and that he would be leaving the club.
He received some flack from fans who thought he dishonoured the club by leaving, a spokesperson named Nadav Winehouse confirmed this and that it would not affect his decision.
Norwich City
On 1 July, he signed a three-year deal with Norwich CityNorwich City F.C.
Norwich City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Norwich, Norfolk. As of the 2011–12 season, Norwich City are again playing in the Premier League after a six-year absence, having finished as runner up in the Championship in 2010–11 and winning automatic promotion.The...
. Johnson made his first appearance for Norwich in the 7–0 away win over Gorelston
Gorleston F.C.
Gorleston F.C. is an English football club based in Gorleston, Norfolk. They are currently members of the Eastern Counties League Premier Division and play at Emerald Park.The club is affiliated to the Norfolk County FA.-History:...
, the club's first pre season fixture before the 2011–12 season
2011–12 Premier League
The 2011–12 Premier League is the twentieth season of the Premier League since its establishment in 1992. The 2011–12 fixtures were announced on 17 June 2011 at 9:00 BST. The season began on 13 August 2011 and is due to end on 13 May 2012...
. He was handed squad number 4, which was vacated by Matthew Gill
Matthew Gill
Mathew James Gill is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Football League Two side Bristol Rovers where he is also club captain.-Peterborough United:...
when he was released by the club. Johnson did not make an appearance off the bench in Norwich's first Premier League fixture of the 2011–12 season, though he set up Richie De Laet
Richie De Laet
Ritchie Ria Alfons De Laet is a Belgian footballer who currently plays as a defender for English side Norwich City on loan from Manchester United.-Stoke City:De Laet began his career at Belgian club Royal Antwerp...
's opener against in Norwich's first home match of the season with a curling free kick
Indirect free kick
An indirect free kick is a method of restarting play in a game of association football. Unlike a direct free kick, a goal may not be scored directly from the kick. The law was derived from the Sheffield Rules that stated that no goal could be scored from a free kick...
headed in by the Belgian. Johnson scored his first Norwich goal against Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
on 17 September 2011 at the Reebok Stadium
Reebok Stadium
The Reebok Stadium is the home stadium of English Premier League football club Bolton Wanderers, and is located on the Middlebrook Retail Park in Horwich, in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. It is commonly known as 'The Reebok'...
with a "classy header".
International eligibilty for USA
On 9 October 2009, Johnson claimed that he was eligible to play for the United States national teamUnited States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
due to his African-American grandfather. He also revealed he had held talks with USA Coach Bob Bradley
Bob Bradley
Robert "Bob" Bradley is an American soccer coach and the current manager of the Egypt national football team, taking over in September 2011. He previously managed the United States men's national soccer team...
However, Johnson wasn't aware that unlike European rules, this doesn't qualify players for US citizenship. Unless Johnson was able to apply for US citizenship, with the result of the application likely being a rejection.
In October 2010, Johnson reiterated his desire to play for the USA national team in the future.
On 1 October 2011, it was rumoured that Johnson was on the radar of Fabio Capello and would be named in his 25 man England squad for the Euro 2012 qualifier versus Montenegro.
Leeds United
- Coca-Cola League One Runners Up (Promoted): 2009–2010
- League OneFootball League OneFootball League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
Playoff final runner up 2007–082009–10 Football LeagueThe Football League 2009–10, called the Coca-Cola Football League for sponsorship reasons, was the 110th completed season of the Football League. It began in August 2009 and concluded in May 2010, with the promotion play-off finals. The Football League is contested through three Divisions. The...
Individual
- Leeds United Player of the Year Awards – 2010–11: Goal Of The Season Award: VS Arsenal
Career statistics
| Season | Club | Loan | Division | League | FA Cup FA Cup The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's... |
League Cup Football League Cup The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis... |
FL Trophy Football League Trophy The Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top... |
Play-Offs Football League Play-Offs The Football League play-offs are an annual series of football matches to determine some of the promotion places within the Football League. Essentially, each division of the league offers a certain number of automatic promotion places to the top two or three clubs. A further promotion place is... |
Total | Discipline | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norwich City Norwich City F.C. Norwich City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Norwich, Norfolk. As of the 2011–12 season, Norwich City are again playing in the Premier League after a six-year absence, having finished as runner up in the Championship in 2010–11 and winning automatic promotion.The... |
> 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | – | ! 10 !! 2 | 0 | ||||||
| 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | ||||
| Leeds United Leeds United A.F.C. Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system... |
Championship Football League Championship The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League... > 45 |
5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | – | – | – | ! 49 !! 6 | 1 | ||||||
| League One Football League One Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system.... > 36 |
7 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 | – | ! 47 !! 7 | 0 | |||||||
| > 15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | ! 20 !! 1 | 0 | |||||||
| Brighton & Hove Albion Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club are an English association football club based in the coastal city of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex. They currently play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system.... |
Loan | > 10 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | ! 10 !! 5 | 0 | |||||
| Leeds United | > 21 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | ! 24 !! 3 | 0 | ||||||
| 117 | 16 | 6 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 140 | 17 | 30 | 1 | ||||
| Northampton Town Northampton Town F.C. Northampton Town Football Club are an English professional football club based in Northampton, Northamptonshire. They currently play in Football League Two, the lowest league division, after being relegated from League One on the last day of the 2008–09 season... |
> 23 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | – | ! 29 !! 5 | 0 | ||||||
| > 27 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | ! 28 !! 5 | 0 | |||||||
| Stevenage Borough | Loan | Conference Football Conference The Football Conference is a football league in England which consists of three divisions called Conference National, Conference North, and Conference South. Some Football Conference clubs are fully professional, such as Luton Town, but most of them are semi-professional... > 4 |
0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | – | – | – | ! 4 !! 0 | 0 | |||||
| Gravesend & Northfleet | Loan | > 25 | 5 | 0 | 0 | – | – | – | – | – | ! 25 !! 5 | 1 | |||||
| Northampton Town | League Two Football League Two Football League Two is the third-highest division of The Football League and fourth-highest division overall in the English football league system.... > 3 |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – | ! 4 !! 0 | 0 | ||||||
| 53 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 61 | 10 | 9 | 0 | ||||
| Cambridge United Cambridge United F.C. Cambridge United Football Club is a professional football club from Cambridge, England. They are currently playing the 2011-2012 season in the Conference National, the fifth tier of the English league system, where they have competed since 2005 following their relegation from the Football League... |
> 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | ! 1 !! 0 | 0 | ||||||
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||
External links
