Tributes pour in for ‘Doc’
DAVID JOHNSON grew up a Liverpool fan, played for Everton but became a European Cup-winning hero on the red half of Merseyside.
The former Reds striker died at the age of 71 yesterday and left behind a fine legacy in football.
He made 213 appearances and scored 78 goals in six years at Anfield.
But he also had two spells at Everton and played eight times for England, scoring six goals.
Kop legend Kenny Dalglish led the tributes for the Anfield hero.
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.”
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.’”
John Aldridge added: “Absolutely gutted to hear my good friend David Johnson (The Doc) passed away early today. What a great servant to LFC.”
Affectionately known as ‘Doc’ because team-mates would regularly pinch items from his bag, Johnson was a well-liked figure on both sides of Merseyside – and not many can say that.
He began his career at Goodison Park and scored in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool in 1971.
But that did not stop him becoming a hero on the other side of the city.
There was a spell at Ipswich before he joined the Reds in 1976 for a fee of £200,000.
Four league titles would follow as well as the European Cup in 1977, 1978 and 1981.
There are numerous iconic images of the moustached striker with the many trophies he accumulated.
He returned to Everton in 1982 before spells at Barnsley, Manchester City Preston and Barrow.
He remained a popular figure at Anfield and was regularly at the ground watching the Reds and appearing at events.