David Johnson (footballer, born 1951)

David Edward Johnson (23 October 1951 – 23 November 2022) was an English professional footballer and manager. He played as a "battling, play-linking forward". In six seasons with Liverpool from 1976 his wins included 4 Football League First Division titles, 2 European Cup finals, 1 UEFA Super Cup final and 1 Football League Cup final. He was selected for the 1979/80 First Division PFA Team of the Year, when he scored 27 of 55 goals shared with strike partner, Kenny Dalglish. He scored for Everton in 4 separate competition debuts. Johnson is one of only 2 players to score playing for both Everton and Liverpool in the Merseyside derby. He is an Ipswich Town Hall of Fame inductee. He won the 1972–73 Texaco Cup and never finished lower than sixth in the top division in his four Ipswich seasons. Johnson later had spells with Barnsley, Manchester City, Tulsa Roughnecks, Preston North End, Barrow (as player manager) and Naxxar Lions.<ref name=nb>David Johnson on Post War English & Scottish Football League A–Z Player's Transfer Database profile</ref> He has a disputed tally of at least five goals in his 8 England national team games for whom he never played in a losing team. He played for England at the 1980 European Football Championship.

Club career

Everton

Johnson grew up in Halewood as a boyhood Koppite.<ref name=echo/> He later said:

“After winning the English schools trophy with the Liverpool schoolboys side, I was lucky to have scouts from both Liverpool and Everton trying to sign me. At the time the Everton scout sold Goodison better than the Liverpool scout did Anfield so I signed for them. I had watched Liverpool throughout the sixties and they fielded virtually the same side week in week out, whereas the Everton scout pointed out Everton had a good youth policy and did give the younger players a chance. So with Everton going through a transitional period, I felt I would have a better chance by going to Goodison.”<ref name=echo>"'I don't think they have forgiven me' - David Johnson lived his Liverpool dream before joining Everton" liverpoolecho.co.uk Dan Kay, 23 November 2022</ref>

In May 1967 aged 15, he signed as an apprentice for Harry Catterick's Everton.<ref name=eng/> He scored the first of 4 separate competition debut goals for Everton when scoring for the reserves in the Central League.<ref name=where/>

Aged 19, Johnson scored debuting for Everton's first team, on 8 January 1971 in a 2–2 league draw at Burnley. The following month he scored on his FA Cup debut, winning 1-0 hosting Brian Clough's Derby County in the fifth round. He scored on his UEFA competition debut in the 1970-71 European Cup quarter-final 1-1 draw hosting Panathinaikos. Johnson subbed on for a right foot equaliser with the last kick of the game.<ref name=youpan>"Everton 1 Panathinaikos 1 - 09 March 1971 - European Cup QF:1"</ref> He subbed on late in the Athens 0-0 2nd leg. Everton went out on away goals. Johnson 4 days later was left out the 1970-71 FA Cup semi-final squad that lost 2-1 to a Liverpool comeback, to end a week later reported as marking the end of the great Everton side from the previous decade.<ref name=echo/>

In November 1971 before 56,563 fans<ref name=lfchisteveliv>"Everton 1 - 0 Liverpool" lfchistory.net</ref> at Goodison Park's Gwladys Street end in Everton's 1-0 league win, Johnson scored on his Merseyside derby debut. He volleyed in a rebound after Ray Clemence had pushed his header on to the post.<ref name=echo/> Johnson’s 11 goal tally in all competitions for a now declining team in his first full season attracted a £100 000 offer from Crystal Palace.<ref name=eng/> Catterick twice rejected Bill Shankly offers for Johnson to transfer direct to Everton's city rivals, Liverpool. Catterick instead transferred Johnson to Ipswich Town.<ref name=echo/>

Ipswich Town

1972-73

Aged 21, Johnson joined Bobby Robson's Ipswich Town in Autumn 1972 in exchange for Ipswich's top scorer, Rod Belfitt plus £40,000 going to Goodison.<ref name=eadt/><ref name=echo/> The transfer date is disputed, reported in some sources as 30 October<ref name=twtd/> and in some sources as early November.<ref name=eadt/><ref name=echo/> Robson heavily utilised the Ipswich youth system, making Johnson 1 of just 14 players Robson signed in his 13 years managing Ipswich.<ref name=these/> Johnson forged a powerful strike partnership with Trevor Whymark, supported by the industrious<ref name=mighty>"Players Rod Belfitt - Reliable grafter" mightyleeds.co.uk</ref> Bryan Hamilton and the clever<ref name=vilj>"Colin VILJOEN Ipswich Town FC" sportingheroes.net Matthew Rudd</ref> Colin Viljoen both weighing in with goals from midfield.<ref name=itfc/> Johnson's move to Ipswich was later described, "Johnson proved a perfect fit at Portman Road where Bobby Robson was laying the foundations of the thirteen-year reign in charge which would ultimately land him the England manager’s job."<ref name=echo/>

Known at Ipswich as 'Jonty',<ref name=twtd/> he debuted for them on 4 November 1972 in a 2–2 league draw hosting Don Revie's Leeds United.<ref name=itfc/><ref name=eadt/><ref name=djpride>"Dave Johnson" prideofanglia.com</ref> Johnson assisted Whymark putting Ipswich 2-1 ahead in what was reported as Johnson having "a fine debut".<ref name=ipsleerep>"Town Fireworks. Then Lorimer rescues desperate Leeds" Neal Manning</ref> Johnson's first Ipswich goal was on 2 December the same year, drawing 1–1 in the league at Manchester City with a first time left foot equaliser from inside the box.<ref name=youman>"Manchester City v Ipswich Town, Dec 2nd 1972"</ref> That was the first of 4 Johnson goals in 3 games (all in the league), including a double beating Crystal Palace at home 2-1.<ref name=dj7273>"Games played by Dave Johnson in 1972-73" prideofanglia.com</ref> On 17 February, Johnson headers from set-pieces led to 2 Hamilton goals, winning 4-1 in the league v Manchester United before the then record 31,857 Portman Road crowd.<ref name=ipsman>"Ipswich Town (2) 4 - 1 (0) Manchester United" prideofanglia.com</ref> Johnson played on 10 March when that Portman Road record was surpassed when 34,632 saw Arsenal win in the league 2-1.<ref name=pride7273>"Season 1972-73 Division 1" prideofanglia.com</ref> Another of his goals that season was when losing 2-1 in the league at Liverpool on 24 February.<ref name=dj7273/>

He played in every league game that season after signing with Ipswich. They lost only six of their final 27 league games as they finished fourth, qualifying for the UEFA Cup. Ipswich won the 1972-73 Texaco Cup final<ref name=itfc>"REMEMBERING DAVID JOHNSON" itfc.co.uk 23 November 2022</ref> 4-2 on aggregate (2-1 & 2-1), over East Anglian derby rivals Norwich City. Johnson didn't play in the away 2nd leg.<ref name=dj7273/> Johnson ended his opening Ipswich season with eight goals from his 33 games,<ref name=djpride/> and a call-up to the England U23s.<ref name=eadt/>

1973-74

Ipswich in the 1973-74 UEFA Cup 1st round, won 1-0 at home and drew 0-0 in front of 80,000 fans away eliminating Real Madrid. In the 2nd round, visitors S.S. Lazio were 4–0 down in the 1st leg. Giancarlo Oddi's waist high challenge<ref name=ipslazpri>"Ipswich Town (2) 4 - 0 (0) Lazio" prideofanglia.com</ref> caused Johnson's stretchering off needing scrotal stitches.<ref name=twtd>"Former Town and England Striker Johnson Dies" twtd.co.uk 23rd November 2022</ref> Johnson consequently missed Ipswich's next three games. Johnson returned to the bench for the Rome 2nd leg. Pre-kickoff, Whymark was handed a commemorative trophy by a group of AS Roma fans for his 4 first leg goals against their arch rivals. That Roma provocation sparked Lazio ultras and players to an evening of violence. Johnson subbed on in the 83rd minute. Giorgio Chinaglia soon after scored his 3rd of the game to put the tie back in the balance, 4-1 on the night (5–4 on aggregate to Ipswich). Johnson's low left foot finish from just outside the box<ref name=youlaz>"LAZIO IPSWICH 1973"</ref> then settled the tie 6-4.<ref name=dj7374>"Games played by Dave Johnson in 1973-74" prideofanglia.com</ref> "Believe me, it was not football, it was war,” Robson said afterwards.<ref name=these>"Remembering Ipswich Town’s odyssey in Europe under Bobby Robson" thesefootballingtimes.co Somnath Sengupta, 24 August 2016</ref>

Ipswich beat Frans Thijssen and FC Twente home (1-0)<ref name=twe1>"Ipswich Town (0) 1 - 0 (0) FC Twente" prideofanglia.com</ref> and away (2-1)<ref name=twe2>"FC Twente (0) 1 - 2 (0) Ipswich Town" prideofanglia.com</ref> in the third round. Ipswich then lost the quarter-final to Locomotiv Leipzig 4–3 on penalties. Both legs were 1–0 home wins. Mick Mills was sent off in the 40th minute of the away 2nd leg with the score at 0-0.<ref name=these/> 57,000 fans attended. Johnson was the 2nd of 3 Ipswich penalty takers in the shootout in East Germany who failed to convert. He scored 15 times in 54 games that season.<ref name=djpride/> His goals included league doubles at West Ham United) (3-3) and Chelsea (3-2 to Ipswich). He also scored again at Liverpool, this time losing 4-2 on 17 November.<ref name=dj7374/> He equalised winning the 26 December league derby 2-1 at Norwich.<ref name=norips>"Norwich City (1) 1 - 2 (0) Ipswich Town" prideofanglia.com</ref> Ipswich again finished 4th in the league qualifying for the UEFA Cup.

1974-75

In the 1974-75 UEFA Cup, Thijssen and Twente eliminated Ipswich in the first round on away goals (2-2 in Ipswich, then 1-1 in Enschede).<ref name=prid75>"First Team Results & Match Reports 1974-75" prideofanglia.com</ref> Ipswich domestically chased the league and FA Cup double.<ref name=itfc/> On 2 November, Johnson evaded Emlyn Hughes and Chris Lawler to assist Brian Talbot, winning 1-0 hosting<ref name=youliv>o "Ipswich Town v Liverpool 02-11-1974"</ref> top of the table Liverpool.<ref name=ipslfc>"Ipswich Town 1 - 0 Liverpool" lfchistory.net</ref> Ipswich topped the table after a 2-0 home win over Middlesbrough on 11 January (Johnson's right foot shot from the just outside the box scored the 2nd).<ref name=ips75>"First Team Results & Match Reports 1974-75" prideofanglia.com</ref> All Ipswich 1974-75 FA Cup opponents were fellow First Division clubs. Johnson scored in the 3rd round 2-1 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers. He played eliminating holders, Liverpool, 1-0 at home in the 4th round.<ref name=dj7475/> 34,709 watched to surpass the crowd of Arsenal's 1973 visit.<ref name=pride7475>"Season 1974-75 Division 1" prideofanglia.com</ref> His goal at 0-2 down in the 5th round hosting Aston Villa, sparked a comeback 3-2 win. He also played the key pass to Talbot leading to Hamilton's equaliser.<ref name=ipsvil>"Ipswich Town v Aston Villa F.A. Cup 5th Round 15-02-1975"</ref>

They needed 3 "stamina sapping" March FA Cup quarter-final replays to eliminate Leeds.<ref name=worldfa>"Ipswich Town » Fixtures & Results 1974/1975" worldfootball.net</ref> Johnson started all 4 games<ref name=dj7475>"Games played by Dave Johnson in 1974-75" prideofanglia.com</ref> including the 0-0 1st of the 4, setting a 38,010 Portman Road crowd record that still stands.<ref name=staf>"Portman Road" stadiumguide.com</ref> Johnson headed Ipswich ahead in the away 1-1 1st replay.<ref name=leeips11>"Leeds United (0) 1 - 1 (1) Ipswich Town (aet)" prideofanglia.com</ref> The 3rd game was another 0-0, this time at neutral Filbert Street. Johnson subbed off injured in the 37th minute of the 4th game, 3-2 win played at Filbert Street again.<ref name=inju>"Leeds United (1) 2 - 3 (1) Ipswich Town" prideofanglia.com</ref> He consequently missed Ipswich's next 5 games. Johnson thus missed the April semi-final 0-0 with West Ham, and the 2-1 replay loss.<ref name=itfc/>

He also missed the 31 March, 0-0 league game at soon relegated Chelsea.<ref name=world>"Chelsea 0:0 Ipswich Town" worldfootball.net</ref> Results elsewhere that day meant Ipswich missed the chance to top the league for the 1st time since mid January. That league season Ipswich, "made the early running, but fixture congestion and a relatively thin squad got the better of them." Title contenders Ipswich (2-1 at Leeds),<ref name=leeips21>"Leeds United (1) 2 - 1 (1) Ipswich Town" prideofanglia.com</ref> Liverpool and Everton all lost on the league season's penultimate Saturday on 19 April. Ipswich drawing (1-1) their game in hand 4 days later at Manchester City won the title that day for Dave Mackay's Derby County.<ref name=game/><ref name=mcfc>"Manchester City v Ipswich Town 1974/75" citytilidie.com boswell, 12 January 2008</ref> Ipswich finished 3rd in that league season 2 points behind, consoled by their 3rd consecutive UEFA Cup qualification.<ref name=game>"We are the Champions: 1974-75 – Derby County" gameofthepeople.com</ref> Johnson again scored 15 goals in a season, this time in 48 games.<ref name=djpride/> That included a 16 November home hat-trick beating Coventry City 4-0.<ref name=dj7475/> He scored another derby goal v Norwich, this time losing 2-1 in the League Cup 5th round home replay on 10 December 1974.<ref name=dj7475/>

1975-76 and Ipswich career closure

His 4 goals in 5 games near the beginning of the season included the opener in the 2-0 league win hosting Liverpool on 13 September.<ref name=ipslfc2>"Ipswich Town 2 - 0 Liverpool" lfchistory.net</ref> 4 days later Johnson scored the winner, 2-1 in the 1975-76 UEFA Cup 1st round 1st leg at Feyenoord.<ref name=feyips>"Feyenoord (0) 1 - 2 (1) Ipswich Town" prideofanglia.com</ref> That preceded a 2-0 2nd leg home win. Ipswich then won 3-0 at home but went out losing 4-0 at Club Brugge in the 2nd round.<ref name=dj7576>"Games played by Dave Johnson in 1975-76" prideofanglia.com</ref> Johnson and Ipswich ended the league season in 6th, the lowest of his 4 Ipswich seasons. He scored 8 goals in 43 games.<ref name=djpride/> His goals included heading home Eric Gates' cross to pull back to 3-2 in the 3-3 league draw at Everton.<ref name=eveips>"Own goal lifts bold Ipswich" Don Hardisty match report uploaded on prideofanglia.com</ref>

Johnson scored 46 goals in 178 Ipswich appearances.<ref name=itfc/> In Johnson's four Ipswich seasons, they finished in the top division 4th, 4th, 3rd and 6th respectively. In 1976 Tottenham Hotspur unsuccessfully bid around £200,000 for him. Johnson later said though, “I had four great years under Bobby Robson and there was only one club that would have prised me away from Portman Road and that was Liverpool”<ref name=echo/>

Johnson was an Ipswich Town Hall of Fame 2016 inductee.<ref name=ithofarc/><ref name=ipshof>"Six more players inducted to Ipswich Town Hall of Fame" https://www.eadt.co.uk/ Stuart Wilson, 6 October 2022</ref>

Liverpool

Aged 24, Johnson joined Bob Paisley's Liverpool on 12 August 1976,<ref name=eng/> viewed as a long term John Toshack replacement. The fee was a then club record £200,000.<ref>Template:Citation</ref> In Johnson's first Liverpool season he was a frequent substitute, vying with the established Toshack and the young David Fairclough to partner Kevin Keegan. Johnson debuted for Liverpool on the 21 August 1976 league season opening, 1–0 home win over Norwich. He scored his first Liverpool goal a week later on the 28th, losing 2-1 at Birmingham City.<ref name=echo/>

Liverpool chased an unprecedented treble of League championship, FA Cup and European Cup as that season ended. Johnson picked up his first major domestic honour with the 1976–77 Football League First Division title. He partnered Keegan in the Wembley 1977 FA Cup Final, 2-1 loss to Manchester United. Johnson made little impact before second half substitution by Ian Callaghan. For the Rome 1977 European Cup Final 3-1 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach four days later, Paisley started the team that had ended the FA Cup Final. Johnson was unused from the bench.<ref name=echo/> He subbed on in both legs of the 1977 UEFA Super Cup versus Keegan's new club, Hamburger SV. Liverpool drew 0-0 away and won 6-0 at home.

Johnson was again largely a squad player for most of his second Liverpool season, due to a combination of injuries and the immediate success of Kenny Dalglish who had replaced Keegan. In April though, Johnson headed a 1977-78 European Cup semi-final 1st leg equaliser in losing 2-1 at Mönchengladbach.<ref name=youmon>"29/03/1978 European Cup Semi Final 1st leg BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH v LIVERPOOL"</ref> Liverpool progressed 4-2 on aggregate.<ref name=echo/>

In April 1978, he became the first player to score for both clubs in the Merseyside derby,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> this time in his derby debut for Liverpool. As of February 2025, only Peter Beardsley has also scored playing for both teams in a Merseyside derby.<ref name=mural/> Johnson like his Everton derby goal, scored his Liverpool derby goal in front of Goodison's Gwladys street end for a 1-0 winner. Unlike Beardsley, both Johnson's goals for opposing Merseyside derby teams were both winners.<ref name=echo/>

Three days later in only his seventh league start that season, Johnson injured knee ligaments hosting Leicester City. He consequently missed the Wembley, 1978 European Cup Final 1-0 win over Club Brugge.<ref name=echo/>

In 1978-79 and 1979-80, Johnson was a free-scoring centre forward partner to Dalglish (the best player Johnson said he played with or against). Liverpool regained (from Nottingham Forest) and then retained the league title. Johnson in 1980 was named (as was Dalglish), in the First Division PFA Team of the Year.<ref name=lynch/> Johnson scored his career highest 27 goals that season. "Linking telepathically",<ref name=these2>"How football forgot David Johnson, Liverpool’s goalscoring hero before Ian Rush" thesefootballtimes.co Steven Scragg, 11 January 2019</ref> he and Dalglish scored 55 goals that season between them.<ref name=echo/>

Johnson missed the first game and replay of the 1981 Football League Cup final win over West Ham.

Johnson assisted the decisive 2nd leg away goal for Ray Kennedy drawing 1-1 at Bayern Munich in the 1980-81 European Cup semi final. In the 1981 European Cup Final in Paris, Johnson played the full game defeating Real Madrid 1-0,<ref name=echo/><ref name=lfc/> regaining another trophy from Forest.

In 1981/82 Ian Rush was Dalglish's regular partner with Johnson demoted to deputy. Johnson subbed on for Terry McDermott in the 1982 Football League Cup final 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur. Johnson still played enough games that season to earn himself a fourth league championship medal.

In his six Liverpool seasons he scored 78 goals in 213 games in all competitions.<ref name=lfc>"Past players David Johnson" liverpoolfc.com</ref>

Return to Everton and loan to Barnsley

Aged 30, Johnson returned to Everton in August 1982 for £100,000, signed by ex-Everton early 70s team mate, Howard Kendall. He scored 5 goals in his second Everton spell.<ref name=evert>"Everton Deeply Saddened To Learn Of David 'Doc' Johnson Passing" wayback machine</ref> He did not see out his second season back at Goodison after initially, being loaned on 2 February 1984 for a month to Norman Hunter's Barnsley.<ref name=eng/> Johnson is listed on his obituary on the Barnsley website as, "famously scoring the winner against Leeds United at Elland Road."<ref name=barns>"DAVID JOHNSON | 1951 - 2022" barnsleyfc.co.uk 23 November 2022</ref> Barnsley won that 25 February, Second Division game 2-1.<ref name=sher>"SEASON STATISTICS: 1983-84" sheridan-dictates.com</ref>

Later club career

Aged 32, Johnson ended the 1983–84 season at Billy McNeill's Manchester City. Johnson then spent that summer under Wim Suurbier at Tulsa Roughnecks in the NASL.

He then on 10 October 1984 (13 days before his 33rd birthday), signed for Alan Kelly at Preston North End, staying for the rest of that season.

In August 1985 he joined non-league Barrow AFC, player managing them from October for 6 months.

In August 1986 aged 34, he joined Naxxar Lions, under the revolution since 1984 of club President, Michael Zammit Tabona.<ref name=AM>Global and Local Football: Politics and Europeanization on the Fringes of the EU, by Gary Armstrong, Jon P. Mitchell, Routledge 2008</ref> Naxxar earned 3 promotions in 3 years between 1986 and 1989, entering the Premier Division for the first time in the club’s history.<ref name=ma>"Naxxar Lions FC History"</ref> Johnson trained at Liverpool's Melwood training ground, flying to Malta once a fortnight to play.<ref name=eng/>

International

Aged 23, Johnson was at Ipswich when England manager, Don Revie, called him up for his first full England cap. Johnson debuted in a British Home Championship match at Wembley on 21 May 1975. Wales drew 2–2 with Johnson scoring both England goals.<ref name=eng/>

Ron Greenwood in February 1980 recalled Johnson to play for England's senior team for the first time since 1975. Johnson scored twice in a 3–1 victory over then world champions Argentina at Wembley on 13 May 1980, marking Diego Maradona's first game in England. 28 year old Johnson's last game playing for England was their opening game, 1-1 draw v Belgium at the 1980 European Championships. England went out at the group stage.

Johnson scored at least five goals in his eight senior England appearances. His international goals tally is disputed. A Johnson effort in the 1980 home 1-1 with Northern Ireland is reported by some as a Noel Brotherston own goal. Johnson was unbeaten in all 8 of his senior England games.<ref name=eng/>

Personality and style of play

Johnson scored with both feet and his head.<ref name=shook/>

Roy Evans described him, "Led the line well up front. Scored his fair share of goals as well." Evans added of him, "A great personality, a big buoyant personality. It was always a great asset in the dressing room. Dave, kept everybody on their toes."<ref name=shook>"100 Players Who Shook The Kop - #77 - David Johnson"</ref>

Dalglish expressed on Johnson's death, “David was hugely popular in the dressing room. A really good guy.”<ref name=guard>"David Johnson, former Liverpool and England striker, dies aged 71" theguardian.com 23 November 2022</ref>

On Johnson's death, Everton chairman Bill Kenwright remarked, “That David enjoyed the love and respect of both sides of Stanley Park underlined his qualities both as a footballer and a man. He was one of the few who crossed the divide and managed to retain his reputation with both sets of supporters. That is because he was always honest, hard-working and brave."<ref name=evert/>

Johnson's Ipswich Town FC obituary commented on his, "ability to link the play up front, his inexhaustible work-rate and his eye for goal", "pace and willingness to go in where the boots were flying" and "ability in front of goal and his selfless running that benefited his teammates".<ref name=itfc/> The East Anglian Daily Times describe him as a "battling, play-linking forward".<ref name=eadt>"Former Ipswich, Liverpool and Everton striker David Johnson dies" eadt.co.uk Mike Bacon, 23rd November 2022</ref>

Johnson reflected on his Liverpool career, "I was never a great player but I did play in a great side with some very good players. We had the workhorses, the good players and the great players and it was down to the great management of Bob Paisley that we had such a superb balance."<ref name=echo/>

After playing

Johnson remained in Merseyside, working in the Life insurance division of Royal Insurance.<ref name=mirror>"David Johnson was great company and had Liverpool career which deserved untold riches" Andy Dunn, mirror.co.uk 23 November 2022</ref><ref name=where>where-are-they-now.co.uk "David Johnson"</ref><ref name=eng>englandfootballonline.com "David Johnson" 13 December 2022</ref><ref name=echo/> He joined the after dinner speaking circuit and set up football camps with his great friend, Alan Kennedy.<ref name=mirror/>

Johnson remained involved with professional football working with BBC Radio Merseyside as a match summariser. He was also in their Red Alert programme broadcast on Fridays at 7.30 pm. He provided what was known during the show as "The Doc's Diagnosis". He also worked at Anfield as a match day lounge host.<ref name=mirror/>

Johnson died from throat cancer aged 71, on 23 November 2022 in Halewood.<ref name=eng/> His funeral was on 13 December 2022 at St. Peter's Church in Woolton.<ref name=eng/> His funeral cortege stopped at the stadiums of both Everton and Liverpool. Ex-Liverpool players John Aldridge, Howard Gayle, Sammy Lee and Phil Thompson helped carry the coffin into the church. Everton ex-teammate Kevin Ratcliffe was among many other ex-players in attendance. Dalglish was also there.<ref name=cortege>"David Johnson funeral cortege stops at Everton and Liverpool stadiums on final journey" liverpoolecho.co.uk Mark Wakefield, 13 Dec 2022</ref>

On 6 February 2025 a mural of Johnson holding a European Cup was unveiled at Gurnell Street in Anfield.<ref name=mural>"'He would have loved it so much, it would have just made his life'" liverpoolecho.co.uk Jamie Greer, 6 February 2025</ref>

Honours

Ipswich Town

• Texaco Cup: 1973

Liverpool

• Football League First Division: 1976–77, 1978–79, 1979–80, 1981–82
• Football League Cup: 1980–81, 1981–82
• FA Charity Shield: 1976, 1977 (shared), 1979, 1980
• European Cup: 1976–77, 1977–78, 1980–81
• UEFA Super Cup: 1977
• FA Cup runner-up: 1976–77<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Individual

• PFA Team of the Year: 1979–80 First Division<ref name=lynch>Template:Cite book</ref>
• Ipswich Town Hall of Fame: Inducted 2016<ref name=ithofarc>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

External links

• Profile at the Liverpool F.C. website
• Profile at LFChistory.net
• Template:England Football Online
• Everton appearances at Sporting heroes.net
• Ipswich Town appearances at Sporting-heroes.net
• Liverpool appearances at Sporting heroes.net
• England appearances at Sporting-heroes.net