England’s ‘Doc’ Johnson loses battle with cancer
FORMER team-mates paid tribute to ex-England forward David Johnson, who died aged 71 yesterday after suffering from throat cancer.
Known as “The Doc” for keeping cough sweets and headache tablets in his kit bag, the ex-Liverpool, Everton and Ipswich player scored six goals in eight appearances for England.
Former Reds striker John Aldridge, 64, said: “Dave was so highly thought of, so highly respected.”
Fellow Liverpool player Terry McDermott, 70, called David a legend and “one in a million” and Phil Thompson, 68, added: “You will be greatly missed pal. RIP.” Liverpool, Everton and Ipswich football clubs said they were “saddened”. David made his England debut under Don Revie in 1975, scoring twice in a 2-2 draw against Wales at Wembley. He signed for Barnsley in 1984 and also played for Manchester City, US side Tulsa Roughnecks and Preston North End. Liverpool-born David had a spell as player-manager at Barrow before retiring in 1986.