I don't understand how Johnson has remained with us for so many years. I hope his new contract is half what he's on now. Ludicrous
He played alright yesterday but mainly because he wasn't really tested defensively. He's just a shadow of his former self when it comes to attacking though. He looks slow and laboured on the ball and isn't able to take a man on anymore. As a back up option on wages of around £30k a week he's not a terrible option. Offers experience and his defending is alright. He can compete with Flanno & Manquillo for the RB slot but what I do worry about is he if stays, it means next year we'll have Johnson, Flanno, Manquillo & Wisdom for RB. That's a lot of competition for 1 position?
Flanagan's contract is coming to an end in 6 months isn't it? And we've heard nothing since August about that so he might be leaving. I really hope we don't let him leave in favour of Johnson...
Unless we have serious concerns about his injury there is no chance he should be leaving. Best full back we had last year! He doesn't really fit at wing back as he doesn't bomb on which is what you need form that role but as a RB, I'd still trust him over anyone else. He'd be a real coup on a freebie for a mid table team!
Agreed. Not sure he should be starting but he's definitely the type of young player we should either be making a profit on and selling for 5-10m OR keeping and filling out the squad with instead of getting players in for transfer fees and pretty big wages to sit on the bench. Letting him go for free would be madness, even if we do want to get rid of him...
I still think we need an outstanding choice to be our first pick though. Which is why I don't understand the keeping of Johnson. It means we'll have at least 3 right backs, none of which are anywhere close to being top quality at the moment. I'd rather we got rid of Johnson and sell Flanagan or Wisdom to fund the arrival of a new right back. And not another youngster either, someone between 24-30 with experience but still in their prime. We can't afford to have another one with a lack of experience in our back line.
I wouldn't even keep Johnson for 'experience' at a lower wage. What good is experience in a defender who could never defend and now makes terrible decisions when he attacks? At least Toure can organise and knows the right things to do, even if his body won't let him do it. Regarding next season's right backs. I'd keep just Flanno, Manquillo and Wisdom. Nothing wrong with young players. Rodgers is supposed to be bringing them through and there's no point having them rotting away on the bench or reserves until eventually being released of flogged for next to nothing. Play them, let them grow into the role and sell them to buy in someone if it's really not working. We know all three are at least competent players and can do a job in short runs. Give them a longer run. We should only be buying a top player for GK, CB and ST right now. Rest of the squad should be promoted from the reserves/youth.
Flanno is a decent and cheap, and can play both flanks. Certainly a good utility/back up player. And there is absolutely no reason to keep Johnson - on any wage. He cannot attack, he cannot defend, he does not work hard, he wastes possession.
he's also crocked... If he can't get abck and prove some level of fitness he can't get a new contract can he? Nobody would want him anyway so I'd say he might get a month to month deal and have to suck it up til he does prove himself. I agree on johnson. it would be mad to waste the wages.
Johnson can also cover LB and, apparently, RCB. With the current state of the squad, RB is not a priority so no need to force changes when the option for Johnson on reduced wages is still available. If he goes he goes, if he stays he stays, we shouldn't be wasting too much time on it though.
Johnson could be back up as a sweeper...for the effing changing rooms!The only thing he can tackle is a pie.
To be honest, I'd take Johnson on a pay-as-you-play deal, with the knowledge that he would NOT be first choice. Ever. He's bad. I dislike his lazy style. I dislike his sloppiness. His wastefulness. I dislike him getting preference over Manquillo/Flanno/Wisdom (I know the last two don't count this season but any future deal will affect their playing time). But at the end of the day, he did spend his prime with us, was excellent for a while, still occasionally puts in a decent shift (once a season maybe). As a last resort he'd be acceptable. As first choice or second choice not a chance. Anything more than that and I'm seriously disappointed. If he's looking for anything above 40-50k and reduced minutes then let him **** off to Rome and age on someone elses pitch.
johnson in fairness was a decent player when he got himself. mostly however hes half fit at best. I agree let him go... ffs the only reaosn to keep him is cos you have what you have and can't afford any senior players... in which case you admit finally you are midtabel hoping for an occasional cup run and settle.
Some good, balanced opinions above, imo. I hate seeing players getting slagged off gratuitously- it just grates on me to read someone calling someone else **** or whatever. Johnson was a good player for us for a period. Never the greatest defender, he did carry a serious attacking threat once. That now seems to have all but disappeared, he seems completely unable to take people on any more- he just runs at them in the apparent expectation that they'll dissolve into thin air. The team has moved on since he was a useful component, and I don't see any reason to start him in future unless we have a series of injuries in either of his positions. I would accept him staying on reduced wages and purely as back up, and I think there's something to be said for an old head who might be able to pass on some of his experience to younger players even if he can no longer cut it himself. The younger players are the future of the club, though, and he shouldn't be keeping anyone out of the starting line-up.
Oh I wish but I can see him playing in cans place tonight If there's anything needed it's guys who know how to win. Johnson has a few medals... So does milner... Does that make them winners??? No suarez had duck all top medals but he was a winner the day he arrived until the day he left due to attitude. We need that attitude
I'd give him the benefit of doubt and offer a year extension. He's not exactly of earth shattering money is he?
