John Johnson (footballer)
{{Short description|English footballer}}
{{Distinguish|John Johnson (safety)}}
{{good article}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = John Johnson
| image = John Johnson (footballer).png
| image_size = 200px
| caption = Johnson warming up for Northampton Town in 2013
| alt = Johnson for Northampton Town.
| fullname = John James Johnson{{Cite book|editor-first = Barry J.|editor-last = Hugman|title = The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11|year = 2010|publisher = Mainstream Publishing|isbn = 978-1-84596-601-0|page = 223 }}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1988|9|16|df=y}}
| birth_place = Middlesbrough, England
| height = {{height|ft=6|in=0}}
| position = Centre-back
| currentclub =
| clubnumber =
| youthyears1 = 2005–2008
| youthclubs1 = Middlesbrough
| years1 = 2008–2010
| clubs1 = Middlesbrough
| caps1 = 1
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2008
| clubs2 = → Tranmere Rovers (loan)
| caps2 = 4
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2009–2010
| clubs3 = → Northampton Town (loan)
| caps3 = 36
| goals3 = 5
| years4 = 2010–2013
| clubs4 = Northampton Town
| caps4 = 103
| goals4 = 8
| years5 = 2013–2018
| clubs5 = Bengaluru
| caps5 = 86
| goals5 = 4
| years6 = 2018–2020
| clubs6 = ATK
| caps6 = 18
| goals6 = 1
| years7 = 2020–2021
| clubs7 = ATK Mohun Bagan
| caps7 = 0
| goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2021–2022
| clubs8 = RoundGlass Punjab
| caps8 = 0
| goals8 = 0
| club-update = 09:51, 12 June 2024 (UTC)
}}
John James Johnson (born 16 September 1988) is an English footballer who plays as a defender. A graduate of the Middlesbrough youth academy, he made his debut for the club against Chelsea. A lack of first team opportunities saw him being loaned to Football League clubs Tranmere Rovers and Northampton Town.
After playing for 83 seasons on loan, Northampton signed Johnson on a permanent basis. He was also given club captainship but was replaced in the role after the arrival of Clarke Carlisle. In the 2012–13 season, his appearances for the club were hindered due to a cartilage injury. Johnson then signed for debutant Bengaluru FC in the I-League in India, managed by his former Northampton Town teammate Ashley Westwood. Johnson, along with Kenyan Curtis Osano, became the first foreigners to play for the club. Despite being an English player, he has spent the majority of his professional career playing for Indian clubs such as Bengaluru FC and ATK, in the I-League and Indian Super League.
Career
=Middlesbrough=
File:John Johnson 18-10-2008 1.jpg in 2008|alt=Johnson made 1 appearance for Middlesbrough]]
Born in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, Johnson is a product of the Middlesbrough academy which he joined in 2005.{{cite news|title=Boro's busy production line|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/10146609.Boro___s_busy_production_line/|newspaper=The Northern Echo|location=Darlington|date=8 January 2013|access-date=3 May 2013|archive-date=12 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112180801/http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/10146609.Boro___s_busy_production_line/|url-status=live}} He signed a professional contract with Middlesbrough on 15 May 2008 and made his first team debut (and only appearance for the club) on 18 October 2008 in a 5–0 home defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League, coming on as a substitute for Jonathan Grounds in the 54th minute.{{cite news |first=Ian |last=Hughes |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7665097.stm |title=Middlesbrough 0–5 Chelsea |publisher=BBC Sport |date=18 October 2008 |access-date=18 October 2008 |archive-date=30 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090330140945/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7665097.stm |url-status=live }}{{cite news|title=Boro need the new boys|url=http://borobanter.gazettelive.co.uk/2008/10/boro-need-the-new-boys.html|newspaper=Evening Gazette|location=Middlesbrough|date=23 October 2008|access-date=12 March 2013|archive-date=12 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112181116/http://borobanter.gazettelive.co.uk/2008/10/boro-need-the-new-boys.html|url-status=live}} Later, in an interview in May 2015, Johnson said that his debut had been the "worst moment" of his life.{{cite web|title=Bengaluru FC players Robin Singh and John Johnson on a rapid fire round|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/movies-messi-mirrors/article7241608.ece|work=The Hindu|date=24 May 2015 |access-date=25 May 2015|archive-date=17 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217023201/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/movies-messi-mirrors/article7241608.ece|url-status=live}} In November 2008, he made a loan move to League One side Tranmere Rovers until the end of the year.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tranmere_rovers/7747670.stm |title=Tranmere seal Johnson loan deal |date=25 November 2008 |access-date=21 December 2008 |publisher=BBC Sport |archive-date=4 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204045154/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tranmere_rovers/7747670.stm |url-status=live }} He made his debut in a 2–1 victory against Leeds United the following week,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7752386.stm |title=Tranmere 2–1 Leeds |date=6 December 2008 |access-date=21 December 2008 |publisher=BBC Sport |archive-date=7 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207080541/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7752386.stm |url-status=live }} but scored an own goal in Tranmere's Football League Trophy northern area semi-final against Scunthorpe United, which gave Scunthorpe a 2–1 victory.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tranmere_rovers/7788053.stm |title=Moore heartbreak at Trophy defeat |date=17 December 2008 |access-date=21 December 2008 |publisher=BBC Sport}} He played five games, four in the league, during his loan spell with Tranmere.{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=50065 |title=John Johnson |access-date=23 September 2009 |publisher=Soccerbase |archive-date=3 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303153057/http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=50065 |url-status=live }}
=Northampton Town=
Johnson joined League Two club Northampton Town on a one-month loan in September 2009.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/northampton_town/8271819.stm |title=Cobblers bring in Boro defender |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 September 2009 |access-date=12 January 2010}} He made his debut for the club in a 3–0 loss against Shrewsbury Town and on 3 October 2009, scored the first goal of his professional career, in a 2–2 draw against Bradford City.{{cite web|title=Northampton Town vs Bradford City|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2009/10/03/england/league-two/northampton-town-fc/bradford-city-afc/783527/|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=6 January 2014|archive-date=6 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106163406/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2009/10/03/england/league-two/northampton-town-fc/bradford-city-afc/783527/|url-status=live}} Having played four games, Johnson said he hoped to help the club back to winning ways.{{cite news|title=I'll give 100% on loan – Johnson|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/northampton_town/8274476.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=25 September 2009|access-date=12 March 2013|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901114036/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/n/northampton_town/8274476.stm|url-status=live}} On 22 October 2009, he extended his stay at Northampton until the new year,{{cite news|title=Cobblers keep Johnson|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/5644813/|publisher=Sky Sports|date=22 October 2009|access-date=12 March 2013|archive-date=6 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106131338/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/5644813/|url-status=live}} and scored his first goal on 24 October 2009 in a 4–2 win over Morecambe.{{cite web|title=Morecombe vs Northampton Town|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2009/10/24/england/league-two/morecambe-fc/northampton-town-fc/783561/|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=7 January 2014|archive-date=7 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107073110/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2009/10/24/england/league-two/morecambe-fc/northampton-town-fc/783561/|url-status=live}} The loan was extended until the end of the season in December.[http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11739_5803846,00.html Cobblers finalise Johnson deal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304002202/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11739_5803846,00.html |date=4 March 2016 }}. Sky Sports. 26 December 2009. Retrieved 12 January 2010.
Northampton signed Johnson on a two-year contract in July 2010 following the successful loan spell.[http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11680/6276545/ Johnson joins Northampton] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107054518/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11680/6276545/ |date=7 January 2014 }}. Sky Sports. 23 July 2010. Retrieved 12 March 2013. After signing for the club on a permanent basis, Johnson's first match was the opening game of the season, in a 3–0 loss against Torquay United. Two months later, he received a straight red card after fouling Simon Clist and lost his appeal, resulting in a one-match ban, missing a 3–1 loss against Oxford United.{{cite news|title=Northampton Town lose John Johnson card appeal|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/northampton_town/9123900.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 October 2010|access-date=12 March 2013|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901114037/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/n/northampton_town/9123900.stm|url-status=live}} A week after his suspension, he scored his first goal as a permanent Northampton player in a 2–0 win over Lincoln City. In his first season at Northampton (as a permanent player), he made 41 appearances and scored seven goals.
Johnson was appointed as captain ahead of the 2011–12 season{{cite web|title=Northampton's John Johnson signs contract extension|work=BBC Sport |date=16 May 2012 |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/18095429|publisher=BBC|access-date=23 May 2014|archive-date=25 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125041207/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/18095429|url-status=live}} having previously captained the club in a friendly match against Nottingham Forest,{{cite news|title=Johnson undecided on skipper|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11739/7052263/|publisher=Sky Sports|date=21 July 2012|access-date=12 March 2013|archive-date=7 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107054101/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11739/7052263/|url-status=live}} but was stripped of the post following the arrival of Clarke Carlisle.{{cite web|title=Northampton Town's John Johnson to continue as 'leader'|work=BBC Sport |date=29 February 2012 |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/17204089|publisher=BBC|access-date=23 May 2014|archive-date=3 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303102500/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/17204089|url-status=live}} Johnson retained his first team place, making 48 appearances and scoring twice in two consecutive games against Morecambe and Southend. During a 3–2 loss against Burton Albion on 26 December 2011, Johnson received a straight red card in the 18th minute, for fouling John McGrath. After the match, the club announced it would appeal against his sending-off.{{cite news|title=Cobblers appeal Johnson card|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11739/7399159/|publisher=Sky Sports|date=28 December 2011|access-date=12 March 2013|archive-date=7 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407001619/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11739/7399159|url-status=live}} The clerb won the appeal after The Football Association overturned the decision, therefore making him available to play.{{cite news|title=Cobblers win Johnson appeal|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11739/7400645/|publisher=Sky Sports|date=29 December 2011|access-date=12 March 2013|archive-date=30 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730234139/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11739/7400645/|url-status=live}}
As his contract was due to expire in the summer, Johnson signed a one-year extension with Northampton keeping him at the club until 2013 on 16 May 2012.{{cite news|title=Johnson joy after new deal|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12691/7760754/Johnson-joy-after-new-deal|publisher=Sky Sports|date=16 May 2012|access-date=16 May 2012|archive-date=7 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107054516/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12691/7760754/Johnson-joy-after-new-deal|url-status=live}} After signing, manager Aidy Boothroyd said he expected Johnson to realise his full potential in the coming season.{{cite news|title=Boss raises bar for Johnson|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11739/7762287/|publisher=Sky Sports|date=17 May 2012|access-date=12 March 2013|archive-date=7 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107054324/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11739/7762287/|url-status=live}} However, Johnson suffered a cartilage injury in October 2012 that ruled him out for four to six weeks.{{cite news|title=Northampton: Luke Guttridge and John Johnson face long absences|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19828432|publisher=BBC Sport|date=4 October 2012|access-date=12 March 2013|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901114042/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/19828432|url-status=live}} He made a return in a 1–1 draw against York City,{{cite news|title=York 1–1 Northampton|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20134273|publisher=BBC Sport|date=6 November 2012|access-date=12 March 2013|archive-date=9 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109073716/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20134273|url-status=live}} but his return was short-lived when he came off at half-time and was out until January after undergoing knee surgery.{{cite news|title=Northampton Town's John Johnson set for knee surgery|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20341362|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 November 2013|access-date=12 March 2013|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901114048/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/20341362|url-status=live}} After making his return on 19 January 2013 against AFC Wimbledon in a 1–1 draw, Boothroyd said Johnson made the team tastier and more aggressive.{{cite news|title=John Johnson to 'toughen up' Northampton, says Aidy Boothroyd|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21370762|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 February 2013|access-date=12 March 2013|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901114048/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/21370762|url-status=live}} Later in the 2012–13 season, Johnson regained his first team place and the club finished in sixth place, qualifying for the promotion play-offs. Johnson described the team as "the strongest" he had played in.{{cite news|title=John Johnson hails the 'best' Northampton Town team|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22315097|publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 April 2013|access-date=17 July 2013|archive-date=1 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501020223/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22315097|url-status=live}} Johnson was an unused substitute in the play-offs as Northampton Town lost 3–0 on aggregate against Bradford City.{{cite web|title=Bradford City vs Northampton Town|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/05/18/england/league-two/bradford-city-afc/northampton-town-fc/1472326/|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=14 May 2014|archive-date=14 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514210151/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/05/18/england/league-two/bradford-city-afc/northampton-town-fc/1472326/|url-status=live}} He was released by Northampton at the end of the season.{{cite news|title=Adebayo Akinfenwa released by Northampton Town|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22613608|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 May 2013|access-date=17 July 2013|archive-date=13 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613015612/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22613608|url-status=live}}
=Bengaluru FC=
On 16 July 2013, Johnson signed for Bengaluru FC of the Indian I-League, and with Curtis Osano, became the first foreigners in the team's history.{{cite web|title=I-League new entrants JSW Sports signs two England-based players|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/football/news/210874-i-league-new-entrants-jsw-sports-signs-two-england-based-players|publisher=Sports.NDTV.com|access-date=17 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130802061101/http://sports.ndtv.com/football/news/210874-i-league-new-entrants-jsw-sports-signs-two-england-based-players|archive-date=2 August 2013|url-status=dead}} He made his debut in their first ever I-League match on 22 September against Mohun Bagan, playing the entirety of a 1–1 draw.{{cite web|title=Bengaluru VS. Mohun Bagan 1–1|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/09/22/india/i-league/bengaluru/mohun-bagan-ac/1585279/|work=Soccerway|access-date=5 October 2013|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612201913/https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/09/22/india/i-league/bengaluru/mohun-bagan-ac/1585279/|url-status=live}} In their next match against Rangdajied United F.C., he scored his first goal in India, opening a 3–0 victory.{{cite web|title=Bengaluru VS. Rangdajied United 3–0|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/09/29/india/i-league/bengaluru/arhima-club/1585286/|work=Soccerway|access-date=5 October 2013|archive-date=3 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103000305/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/09/29/india/i-league/bengaluru/arhima-club/1585286/|url-status=live}} He scored his second goal in as many matches on 6 October against United S.C., the only goal of the game.{{cite web|title=Bengaluru VS.Prayag United 1 – 0|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/10/06/india/i-league/bengaluru/chirag-united-sc/1585292/|work=Soccerway|access-date=12 October 2013|archive-date=3 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103000322/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/10/06/india/i-league/bengaluru/chirag-united-sc/1585292/|url-status=live}} Four days later he netted in his third consecutive match, in the 12th minute of a 2–1 victory against Mohammedan S.C.{{cite web|title=Bengaluru VS. Mohemmadan 2–1|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/10/10/india/i-league/bengaluru/mohammedan-sporting-club/1585299/|work=Soccerway|access-date=12 October 2013|archive-date=2 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102184526/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/10/10/india/i-league/bengaluru/mohammedan-sporting-club/1585299/|url-status=live}} In the Federation Cup, Johnson played three full matches against Sporting Goa,{{cite web|title=Bengaluru FC vs Sporting Goa|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/122931/bengaluru-fc-vs-sporting-clube-de-goa/report?ICID=OP|publisher=Goal|access-date=10 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140430045536/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/122931/bengaluru-fc-vs-sporting-clube-de-goa/report?ICID=OP|archive-date=30 April 2014 |url-status=live}} Rangdajied United{{cite web|title=Bengaluru FC vs Rangdajied United|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/122934/rangdajied-united-fc-vs-bengaluru-fc/report|publisher=Goal|access-date=10 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328053106/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/122934/rangdajied-united-fc-vs-bengaluru-fc/report|archive-date=28 March 2014 |url-status=live}} and East Bengal.{{cite web|title=Bengaluru FC vs East Bengal|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/122936/east-bengal-fc-vs-bengaluru-fc/report?ICID=HP_FM_1|publisher=Goal|access-date=10 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122212544/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/122936/east-bengal-fc-vs-bengaluru-fc/report?ICID=HP_FM_1|archive-date=22 January 2014 }} However, Bengaluru could not proceed beyond the group stage.{{cite web|title=Five talking points from Federation Cup group stage|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1773/federation-cup/2014/01/23/4562722/five-talking-points-from-federation-cup-group-stage?ICID=CP_4136|publisher=Goal|access-date=10 March 2014|archive-date=6 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606094741/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1773/federation-cup/2014/01/23/4562722/five-talking-points-from-federation-cup-group-stage?ICID=CP_4136|url-status=live}} After defeating Dempo on 20 April 2014, the club won the I-League in its debut season.{{cite news|title=Bengaluru FC crowned champions on I-League debut|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/Bengaluru-FC-crowned-champions-on-I-League-debut/articleshow/34058479.cms|newspaper=Times of India|date=21 April 2014 |access-date=15 May 2014|archive-date=6 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906190329/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/Bengaluru-FC-crowned-champions-on-I-League-debut/articleshow/34058479.cms|url-status=live}} He was also awarded the Best Defender of 2013–14 I-League award.{{cite news|title=Chhetri named I-League's tastiest|newspaper=The Times of India|pages=19}}
Johnson kicked off the 2015 season by winning the Federation Cup, defeating Dempo 2–1 in the final.{{cite web|title=The Blues win their first Federation Cup|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1773/federation-cup/2015/01/11/7856532/dempo-sc-1-2-bengaluru-fc-the-blues-win-their-first|publisher=Goal|access-date=12 January 2015|archive-date=30 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830072622/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1773/federation-cup/2015/01/11/7856532/dempo-sc-1-2-bengaluru-fc-the-blues-win-their-first|url-status=live}} He played in the club's 2–1 defeat against Malaysian club Johor Darul Ta'zim in the preliminary round of 2015 AFC Champions League,{{cite web|title=Bengaluru FC lost their 2015 AFC Champions League Preliminary Round 1 fixture against Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta'zim FC 1–2 on Wednesday.|work=Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel | www.chrispd.de |date=4 February 2015 |url=http://www.chrispd.de/wordpress/2015/02/04/bengaluru-fcs-afc-champions-league-hopes-come-dramatic-end/|publisher=Chris Punnakkattu Daniel|access-date=5 February 2015|archive-date=5 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205100302/http://www.chrispd.de/wordpress/2015/02/04/bengaluru-fcs-afc-champions-league-hopes-come-dramatic-end/|url-status=live}} receiving a yellow card in the 67th minute.{{cite web|title=Johor vs Bengaluru|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2015/02/04/asia/afc-champions-league/johor-fc/bengaluru/1974481/|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=5 February 2015|archive-date=5 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205113439/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2015/02/04/asia/afc-champions-league/johor-fc/bengaluru/1974481/|url-status=live}}
On 20 June 2016, after helping Bengaluru FC win their second I-League title, Johnson was rewarded with a new two-year contract, keeping him with the club till the end of the 2017–18 season.{{cite news|title=Johnson signs two-year deal|url=http://www.bengalurufc.com/johnson-signs-two-year-deal-with-bengaluru-fc/|access-date=20 June 2016|work=Bengaluru Football Club|date=20 June 2016|archive-date=28 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828091507/http://www.bengalurufc.com/johnson-signs-two-year-deal-with-bengaluru-fc/|url-status=live}}
=ATK FC=
On 4 June 2018, it was announced on Twitter that Johnson had joined ATK on a two-year deal.{{cite tweet|user=WorldATK|number=1003529332097085440|title=Welcome @John6Johnson to the #ATK family! |date=4 June 2018|access-date=4 June 2018}}{{Cite web|date=29 March 2018|title=ISL: ATK sign Bengaluru FC defender John Johnson|url=https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/isl-atk-sign-bengaluru-fc-john-johnson/lbb35heo9qm91qfjaid9yk2d0|website=Goal|access-date=1 September 2021|archive-date=25 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180525152540/http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/isl-atk-sign-bengaluru-fc-john-johnson/lbb35heo9qm91qfjaid9yk2d0|url-status=live}}
=ATK Mohun Bagan=
After the merger of ATK and Mohun Bagan AC, John Johnson stayed with the merged team ATK Mohun Bagan FC. He was as an unregistered player for 2020–21 Indian Super League season.{{Cite web|date=3 November 2020|title=Indian Super League 2020-21 Team Profile: ATK Mohun Bagan|url=https://khelnow.com/football/isl-2020-21-atk-mohun-bagan-season-preview|website=Khelnow|access-date=1 September 2021|archive-date=18 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118165431/https://khelnow.com/football/isl-2020-21-atk-mohun-bagan-season-preview|url-status=live}} On 31 August 2021, John Johnson mutually terminated his contract with the club.{{cite tweet |user=atkmohunbaganfc |number=1432702109514878987 |date=31 August 2021 |title=ATKMohunBagan and John Johnson have mutually parted ways. We wish him the very best in his future endeavours! Thank you John! |url=https://twitter.com/atkmohunbaganfc/status/1432702109514878987 |access-date=1 September 2021 |archive-date=31 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831140553/https://twitter.com/atkmohunbaganfc/status/1432702109514878987 |url-status=live }}
=RoundGlass Punjab=
On 1 September 2021, John Johnson joined I-League club RoundGlass Punjab FC ahead of 2021–22 I-League.{{Cite web|date=1 August 2021|title=John Johnson joins RoundGlass Punjab FC – Reunites with Ashley Westwood|url=https://halfwayfootball.com/i-league-john-johnson-joins-roundglass-punjab-fc/|website=halfwayfootball|access-date=1 September 2021|archive-date=31 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831084047/https://halfwayfootball.com/i-league-john-johnson-joins-roundglass-punjab-fc/|url-status=live}}
Style of play
Though Johnson mainly plays as a centre-back or as a right back, but journalist Arunava Chaudhuri said he is "equally comfortable in defensive midfield."{{cite web|title=JSW Bangalore sign EPL experienced John James Johnson & Curtis Osano|url=http://arunfoot.blogspot.in/2013/07/jsw-bangalore-sign-epl-experienced-john.html|publisher=Arunfoot|access-date=7 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107083656/http://arunfoot.blogspot.in/2013/07/jsw-bangalore-sign-epl-experienced-john.html|archive-date=7 January 2014|url-status=dead}} After playing in India, sports website The Hard Tackle described Johnson as "one of the best footballing imports to the country".{{cite web|title=Bengaluru FC – Johnson, Beikhokhei And Others Driving Westwood's Men Forward|date=18 October 2013 |url=http://www.thehardtackle.com/2013/johnson-beikhokhei-rooney-and-others-driving-bengaluru-fc-towards-glory/|publisher=The Hard Tackle|access-date=7 January 2014|archive-date=7 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107090441/http://www.thehardtackle.com/2013/johnson-beikhokhei-rooney-and-others-driving-bengaluru-fc-towards-glory/|url-status=live}} The website also praised his height as it is "influential in defence as it is from both attacking and defensive set-pieces."{{cite web|title=Bengaluru FC : Adding EPL Flavor To I-League|date=24 July 2013 |url=http://www.thehardtackle.com/2013/bengaluru-fc-foreign-recruits-adding-the-epl-flavor-to-i-league/|publisher=The Hard Tackle|access-date=7 January 2014|archive-date=7 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107092401/http://www.thehardtackle.com/2013/bengaluru-fc-foreign-recruits-adding-the-epl-flavor-to-i-league/|url-status=live}} He was recognised by BBC as "consistent, a firm fans' favourite and a brave, no nonsense defender."{{cite news|title=Northampton Town defender John Johnson has signed a one-year contract extension at the club, with an option for a further year.|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/18095429|access-date=7 January 2014|archive-date=25 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125041207/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/18095429|url-status=live}}
Career statistics
=Club=
{{updated|match played on 14 March 2020}}
{{notelist}}
Honours
Bengaluru
- I-League: 2013–14, 2015–16
- Federation Cup: 2014–15, [[2016–17 Indian Federation Cup|2016–17
Indian Super Cup|2018 ]]
ATK
Individual
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{commons category|John Johnson (footballer)}}
- {{soccerbase|50065|John Johnson}}
- {{soccerbase|52397|John Johnson}} (Northampton Town loan only)
{{DEFAULTSORT:Johnson, John}}
Category:Footballers from Middlesbrough
Category:English men's footballers
Category:Men's association football defenders
Category:Middlesbrough F.C. players
Category:Tranmere Rovers F.C. players
Category:Northampton Town F.C. players
Category:ATK (football club) players
Category:Premier League players
Category:English Football League players
Category:English expatriate men's footballers
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in India