We've got Johnno back!

Last updated : 07 May 2008 By Paul Smith
This could be the most important signing made during the close season by manager Ian McParland. Every Notts fan is eagerly anticipating potential arrivals to the club, with McParland likely to wield the axe on several first teamers this week.

But make no mistake, whatever happens for the rest of the summer, Johnson signing on the dotted line could be the most crucial addition of all, even with the need for a leading marksman to also add his name to the Notts ranks.
Johnson... Notts legend


Because Johnson will be the best defender in League Two next season, for that there is no doubt in my eyes. His permanent capture, signing from Premiership Derby County on a year's deal, is a superb move by McParland who must also be commended for bringing him back in the first place.

'Johnno' is clearly a fans favourite owing to his excellence when starting out in football at Notts in the 90s, and more so for his return to the club on loan in February, a return which coincided with a superb defensive record that lifted the club out of relegation trouble.

The 34-year old might not be getting younger, but his class remains, particularly at this level, and his performances in the final third of such a dismal campaign, lifted much of the gloom at Meadow Lane, and made fans want to watch the club again.

It is difficult to put into words just how superb Johnson has been, and off the pitch, what a man he is too. Nobody should forget that he also pledged a substantial amount of money into the club when it faced liquidation in 2003.

Johnson is a classy defender, and a top professional.

This move also proves that loyalty remains in football, despite the days of flashy celebrity footballers, £100,000 a week wages, and Bosman transfers.

He came back to the club to help it survive dropping from the Football League because he felt he owed it to the Magpies for giving him his start in football, and this despite a host of Championship sides wanting him for their own run-in.

A successful spell on loan with Sheffield Wednesday earlier in the season saw
Success... Johnson, second left, celebrates cup win over Spurs during successful first spell
their fans utterly bemused at his move to the lowest tier in English football, but he always saw his destiny at Notts.

And now he looks set to finish his career where it all started, with one aim, to get it moving back towards where it was when he first left it to join Birmingham City back in 1995 for some £225,000. At that point, Notts had just lost their fight to retain Championship level status.

Johnson's shock return in February, saw Notts collect a tremendous six clean sheets in 12 games, with just ten goals conceded overall, but six of those were in two games.

His passionate play, excellent positional sense, fight and composure on the ball helped the Magpies notch enough points for safety.
Wilson... Stick him...


And the legendary 'we've got Johnno at the back' Kop chant is compulsive singing. It is definitely worth listening to on You Tube, just type in 'Michael Johnson, Notts County'.

So this is a short tribute to the man who could be McParland's most important signing of the summer, as early as it already is, and a man whose ability is only outweighed by his professionalism and personality off the pitch.

Thanks 'Johnno' and here are to even better times already a Notts County legend.

"And you can stick Kelvin Wilson up your arse..."