Former Liverpool and Everton striker David Johnson has passed away aged 71.
Johnson was a club record signing for Liverpool in 1976, signing from Ipswich Town for £200,000.
(David Johnson poses with a scarf on ‘The Kop’ at Anfield in Liverpool, England, circa August 1976)
Success followed as Johnson won three European Cups and four League titles with the Reds.
He scored 78 goals between 1976 and 1982 for Liverpool.
(LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: David Johnson scores for Liverpool during the Football League Division One match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on August 25, 1979 in Liverpool, England. Liverpool won 3-1)
Despite his contributions for Liverpool, he spent his first few years with Everton and had two separate spells with the Blues (1969-72, 1982-84).
He was the first player in history to score for both Liverpool and Everton in the Merseyside derby.
(7th October 1972, Anfield, Liverpool, Liverpool v Everton, Everton’s David Johnson challenges Liverpool’s Larry Lloyd in the air during the Merseyside derby)
Before retiring in 1985, he also had spells at Barnsley, Manchester City and Preston North End.
After his playing career, Johnson became a regular fixture on BBC Radio Merseyside as a match summariser.
(David Johnson during the Kenny Dalglish Stand unveiling on October 13, 2017 in Liverpool, United Kingdom)
Johnson had been diagnosed with throat cancer, battling with the disease for the past few years.
Nicknamed ‘Doc’ during his time at Anfield, Johnson’s former teammate David Fairclough, 65, paid tribute to Johnson on Twitter.
So sad to hear my great friend and Liverpool Legend David Johnson has passed away today.
Shared so many great moments and memories with ‘Jono’.
Today is a very sad day🥲 condolences to all Dave’s family.
RIP ‘Doc’— David Fairclough (@DFairclough12) November 23, 2022
(Featured pic Alamy Images under purchased licence)
