|
This Harry Kewell signing could remind me of an Aussie Anfield Legend Craig Johnston
Livewire midfielder Craig Johnston was signed by Bob Paisley from Middlesbrough in March 1981 for £650,000. Although born in South Africa, he was raised in Australia.
Nicknamed Roo, Springsteen or Skippy, Johnston became a KOP favourite and always played with 100 per cent effort. Lightning pace and skilful, Johnston played a major part in some of Liverpool’s great successes during the 80’s.
His best memory at Anfield was scoring the crucial second goal against Everton in the 1986 FA Cup Final at Wembley – the season Liverpool did the Double in Kenny Dalglish’s first season as player-manager.
Liverpool’s favourite Aussie achieved a childhood dream of playing football at the top level in England. He overcome problems such as an illness as a child called osteomyelitis which doctors said would prevent him from playing.
When he got the all-clear to play he started at Middlesbrough before over 70 games later, Johnston was off to new heights with Liverpool.
After being nurtured the Anfield way in the reserves at first, Johnston’s full debut was in the World Club Championship in Tokyo against the Brazilian champions, where a jet-lagged Reds lost 3-0 to a Zico inspired Flamengo.
His first goal for Liverpool came in a 4th Round Milk Cup replay victory at Highbury, when he came on as a substitute for Sammy Lee to score in extra-time, with the Reds going on to win 3-0. Johnston also scored on his Merseyside derby debut against Everton in March 1982 and scored the winning goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford that virtually sealed the title.
The following season Johnston helped Liverpool to retain the Division One title, and played in the 1983 Milk Cup Final victory over Manchester United at Wembley.
The following season was even better in 1983-84 as the Reds won a treble with the League Championship, European Cup and Milk Cup, but it was frustration for Johnston who was in and out of the side. He then put in a transfer request which was turned down by manager Joe Fagan. Johnston bounced back to regain his place and play in the Milk Cup Final against Everton, and scored a vital European goal in the European Cup with a screamer against Benfica in the Reds sensational 4-1 win in Portugal.
He played in the European Cup Final success against Roma, and his cross led to Phil Neal putting Liverpool ahead, with the Reds winning on penalties.
The following season was one of sadness with the Heysel Disaster, but the following season Johnston blossomed under new player-manager Kenny Dalglish, with the Double success.
His final season at Liverpool saw Johnston lose his place to Ray Houghton on the right side of midfield but he still played his part in that memorable 1987-88 Championship winning side, featuring John Barnes and Peter Beardsley. Johnston scored the goal in a 1-1 draw at Derby to help Liverpool equal Leeds United’s record of 29 League games without defeat. He made 35 appearances and scored six goals in his final season.
Away from football Johnston displayed his songwriting talents by writing the song ‘Anfield Rap’ and ‘The Pride of Merseyside’ which had good words about the KOP and King Kenny (Dalglish), but it was no were near a success as the ‘Anfield Rap’, which reached Number Three in the hit parade.
Then, with a testimonial looming Johnston sensationally quit football at the age of 27, after Liverpool’s FA Cup Final defeat to Wimbledon in 1988 to pursue other interests and return to Australia to look after his ill sister.
Explaining in his book ‘Walk Alone,’ some of the reasons for his decision to quit, Johnston said: “I didn’t need much incentive to return home. For almost 13 years, and in spite of the great friendships and hospitality we’d encountered in Britain, I’d never really mastered the chronic homesickness that had dogged me since my arrival.”
He returned to Anfield the following season after the Hillsborough Disaster to offer his help to the grieving families. He returned on the last day of the KOP in 1994 when as part of the Liverpool legends on parade, he got a great reception.
Back home in Australia, Johnston is involved with the media in television and also designed the revolutionary ‘Predator’ football boot.
___________________
"Burn down the disco, hang the blessed dj, because the music that they constantly play,
it says nothing to me about my life..." The Smiths - 'Panic'
|
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!!!!!!!!!!!
