John Johnson is, perhaps, the biggest overseas signing by the newly-formed I-League club Bengaluru FC. The Englishman began his career promisingly at Middlesbrough, former Premier League side, before moving to Tranmere Rovers and League Two’s Northampton Town.
The defender made 103 appearances for Northamptons during which he was handed the captain’s armband. However, his three-year deal ended this summer and after receiving a call from Bengaluru FC coach Ashley Westwood, the 6-foot footballer decided to take the long flight to India rather than hunting for a club in Europe.
“My contract ended with my old club. The coach (Westwood) had seen me play back in England. He rang me up and asked me if I wanted to play for him here. I thought why not, it’s an exciting adventure. It would be a different environment to test myself and gain some experience in a different country. I jumped at the chance to come here,” said Johnson during a media interaction at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Wednesday.
There’s a huge gulf in class and money between Indian and European football with players rarely choosing to step foot here. But, Johnson, rubbished questions of any apprehensions, saying he likes the set up at Bengaluru FC. “After my deal ended, I was just going to look for another English club. I was speaking to a few at that time. But then the gaffer (Westwood) rang me and spoke about the ambition of this club.
“I’ve always wanted to play in a different country, in a different environment, culture, weather, and test myself. I played with Ashley for around six months. He was finishing his career and I was coming through. He was a very good player; now he’s a very good coach.
“Back in England things are always done professionally. I’ve come over here and seen that the coach and the club have taken that blueprint. It’s surprisingly very good here. The players are looked after very well -- from nutritional supplements to transport. I was surprised by how professional and good everything are here.”
The 24-year-old was honest enough to admit that he knew nothing about the I-League but ever since he heard about Bengaluru FC, he has made a conscious effort to understand it better.
“I knew nothing about I-League (laughs). But as soon as I got the call, I was looking online and watching DVDs. Since I got here I’ve learnt a lot. I’ve spoken to the players about the other teams and the players in general. I just can’t wait to get started.
“I have close friends who play back in England. They were asking me how it was going and I said it was a very good setup. I can’t speak for the rest of the clubs in India but here it’s exactly the same if not better than some of the clubs back home. Everything is first class.”
Johnson also said it was dream come true to begin his career in former Premier League side Middlesbrough. “It’s a little boy’s dream, isn’t it? Everyone wants to be a professional footballer or cricketer. It’s every kid’s dream. Realistically it’s very difficult. But at Middlesbrough I was fortunate to have great coaches and come through. The club liked to look after the local players as well.”
Mani, Amoes sign up
Bengaluru FC also announced the signing of two local boys Niroshan Mani and Amoes.
Both of them, midfielders, signed one-year contracts with the club after impressing the coach Ashley Westwood while on trial with the outfit.