New FFA chief in waiting from the grassroots

THE man set to lead Football Federation Australia into a new era is a confessed “governance geek” who almost played at a World Cup and has some of the most powerful figures in world football on speed dial.

Queensland-born James Johnson is expected to be announced as early as today as the new FFA chief executive, replacing David Gallop and ending months of searching for the right figure to oversee root and branch reform at the game’s governing body.

Though his profile in Australia is limited, almost a decade after he left to join the Asian Football Confederation, it is more pronounced in world football circles thanks to two years at the AFC, 5½ at FIFA and the past year working for the City Group.

Johnson’s supporters talk about the skin he has in the game having grown up in rural Queensland and played the game at a grassroots level — rising to play for the Joeys and only miss out on the Under-17s World Cup in 1999 through injury.

“Something I remember very clearly was that James was one of those players who’s super-professional, hardworking and intelligent,” said Jess Vanstrattan, a teammate of Johnson’s in that Joeys side.

“He was a skilful player but he was a good guy too, and popular, good to have in the team. We were only 16 back then but he had an air about him that meant his career since has been no surprise.

“If he is appointed, I think it will be so important for us to have a football person at the helm of the game, he’s lived it for 30 years or more.”

Known as “JJ” at his club, Brisbane Strikers, Johnson’s career was halted through injury and he joined the players’ union as player relations executive.

People who have worked with him say Johnson’s style is “collegiate” and “consensus building”, qualities that will be tested to the full in his new role bringing together Australian football’s competing interests.

“He’ll seek engagement and consultation on an issue rather than bring a predetermined view,” said one.

“He’s a smart guy, people find him easy to get on with.”

Another said that Johnson “uses the facts and rational arguments to bring people onside”.