Bradley Johnson

For other people of the same name, see Brad Johnson (disambiguation).

Bradley Johnson

Personal information
Full name	Bradley Paul Johnson
Date of birth	28 April 1987 (1987-04-28)
Place of birth	Hackney, London, England
Height	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Playing position	Midfielder / Left back
Club information
Current club	Norwich City
Number	4
Youth career
1997-2002	Arsenal
2003–2004	Cambridge United
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2003–2004	Waltham Forest	6	(0)
2004–2005	Cambridge United	1	(0)
2005–2008	Northampton Town	53	(8)
2005–2006	→ Gravesend & Northfleet (loan)	24	(5)
2006	→ Stevenage (loan)	4	(0)
2008–2011	Leeds United	122	(16)
2008–2009	→ Brighton & Hove Albion (loan)	10	(5)
2011–	Norwich City	18	(2)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 19:00, 29 October 2011 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals).

Bradley Paul Johnson (born 28 April 1987) 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.

Club career

Born in Hackney, 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.

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 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),^{[citation needed]} scoring a long-range volley in the process. He stated that he would "never forget that moment".^{[citation needed]}. 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.^{[citation needed]} 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.^{[citation needed]}

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.^{[citation needed]} 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 Fàbregas 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 Ken Bates confirmed this and that it would not affect his decision.

Norwich City

On 1 July, he signed a three-year deal with Norwich City. 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 Stoke City 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".

International eligibilty for USA

On 9 October 2009, Johnson claimed that he was eligible to play for the United States national team 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.

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.

Honours

Leeds United

• Coca-Cola League One Runners Up (Promoted): 2009–2010
• League One Playoff final runner up 2007–08

Individual

• Leeds United Player of the Year Awards – 2010–11: Goal Of The Season Award: VS Arsenal

Career statistics

England
Season	Club	Loan	Division	League		FA Cup		League Cup		FL Trophy		Play-Offs		Total		Discipline
				Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
2011–12	Norwich City		Premier League	18	2	0	0	0	0	–	–	–	–	18	2	0	0
Norwich City Total				10	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	10	2	0	0
2010–11	Leeds United		Championship	45	5	2	1	2	0	–	–	–	–	49	6	14	1
2009–10			League One	36	7	4	0	3	0	4	0	–	–	47	7	12	0
2008–09			League One	15	1	0	0	2	0	1	0	2	0	20	1	3	0
2008–09	Brighton & Hove Albion	Loan	League One	10	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	–	–	10	5	2	0
2007–08	Leeds United		League One	21	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	24	3	1	0
Leeds United Total				117	16	6	1	7	0	5	0	5	0	140	17	30	1
2007–08	Northampton Town		League One	23	3	3	1	2	1	1	0	–	–	29	5	4	0
2006–07			League One	27	5	0	0	1	0	0	0	–	–	28	5	4	0
2006–07	Stevenage Borough	Loan	Conference	4	0	0	0	–	–	–	–	–	–	4	0	2	0
2005–06	Gravesend & Northfleet	Loan	Conference	25	5	0	0	–	–	–	–	–	–	25	5	5	1
2005–06	Northampton Town		League Two	3	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	–	–	4	0	1	0
Northampton Town Total				53	8	3	1	3	1	2	0	0	0	61	10	9	0
2004–05	Cambridge United		League Two	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	–	–	1	0	0	0
Cambridge United Total				1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0
Career Total				214	35	9	2	10	1	7	0	5	0	245	38	48	2

External links

• Bradley Johnson career stats at Soccerbase
• Bradley Johnson's Official Site