Was Johnson Right to Join the Wolfpack

Roger Johnson, 28, has had two fantastic seasons in the Premier League under Alex McLeish’s tenure. The English defender formed a steady partnership with Scott Dann – who has also been linked with a move away from St. Andrews.

The Blues were relegated last season despite conceding 58 goals. This is in stark contrast to Wolves and West Brom who let in 66 and 71 goals respectively. This shows that Birmingham’s defence was not the major problem in their relegation.

Birmingham were hit by the news that McLeish was to resign from his position as manager.  This has led to many exits from the club including Johnson himself.

The centre-back was wanted by a host of clubs but decided to stay in the Midlands with Wolves. The £7m move looks like a bargain for boss Mick McCarthy who is looking to bolster his defence.

Birmingham could have started a bidding war had they announced that Wolves had made a bid for their star defender. However it seems like the Blues wanted to complete the deal quickly so new manager Chris Hughton could invest in his own targets.

Johnson, who was an ever-present in the Premier League last season, would have fitted in well at a club like Arsenal. They are crying out for a rock in their defence but Arsene Wenger obviously thought Johnson was not capable of making the step up.

Johnson overcame an injury to beat Arsenal in the Carling Cup final last season, showing his drive and determination to compete with the big teams.

McCarthy said on signing Johnson: “I saw something in Roger a couple of years ago. But two years is a bit too long to wait really.

“I always thought he would be a success in the Premier League. He was better than anyone thought.”

The transfer will prove to be excellent business for Wolves. But in a year’s time Birmingham will be kicking themselves that they let him go for just £7m.

Anthony Hay



Comments

[Tom Bason]

Only £4m according to the local rag: http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2011/07/23/wolves-quids-in-on-roger-johnson-and-jamie-ohara-deals/

[Dorg]

Only 1 good season not 2 he was rubbish last year without dann, over rated!

[willvbcfc]

"in a year’s time Birmingham will be kicking themselves that they let him go for just £7m."

Really? When he'll be 29 and relegated with Wolves? I don't think so.

If we let Scott Dann go, of course we'd be kicking ourselves, because he's the lad with the talent. So much talent that he organised Johnson for a season and a half.

RJ has a lot of heart and passion, but he's not in the same league as Scotty Dann.

[Glen Johnson]

Johnson did go for £6.8 million, and Birmingham will not be kicking themselves at all, they have got a great price for him, yes he was great with Scott dann at Blues centre of defense, but when Dann got injured we saw the weakness in Johnsons game, so infact he never did have 2 great seasons, but just over 1, he cannot organise a defence at all, he dids contorlling like Dann used to with him.
Wolves will have to get a top rated centre half to go alongside Johnson, to get the best out of him, he gives 100% evety game, and you cannot fault his passion in the way he goes about his game, vitually throwing himself in front of shots to block, but the rest of his game is lacking big time, like pace, strength in the air, and his passing is awful.
So if Wolves cannot get a top rated partner for him then they will find themselves with a £1 million rated player this time next year with all the mistakes he will make.

In my opinion, we will be seeing him in the same division as us next year, as we won't be going up.
So will he again be asking to move,