David Johnson, former Liverpool and England striker, dies aged 71
The former Liverpool and England striker David Johnson has died at the age of 71. Johnson made 213 appearances and scored 78 goals in six years at Anfield. He also had two spells at Everton and played eight times for England, scoring six goals.
Playing tribute to his former teammate at Anfield, Kenny Dalglish wrote on Twitter: “Sad news about the Doc. David was hugely popular in the dressing room. A really good guy and condolences to all his family. RIP DOC YNWA.”
Another former Liverpool colleague, David Fairclough, wrote: “So sad to hear my great friend and Liverpool legend David Johnson has passed away today. Shared so many great moments and memories with ‘Jono’. Today is a very sad day. Condolences to all Dave’s family. RIP ‘Doc’.”
Everton confirmed the news by saying: “Everyone at Everton Football Club is saddened to learn of the untimely passing of David ‘Doc’ Johnson at the age of 71. Our thoughts are with David’s family and friends at this time.”
Johnson began his career at Goodison Park and scored in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool in 1971. He would go on to score for the Liverpool against Everton nine years later.
Johnson had a successful spell at Ipswich before moving to Liverpool in 1976 for a club record fee of £200,000. He went on to win three league titles at Anfield as well as the European Cup in 1981. Ian Rush’s emergence relegated Johnson to the bench the following season and he re-signed for Everton in August 1982.
Johnson later played for Barnsley, Manchester City, the American side Tulsa Roughnecks, Preston and had a spell as player-manager at Barrow before retiring in 1986.