Weather Tonight: 9°c Light showers Morning: 14°c Overcast

Sport

HEADLINES:
Andy Johnson
High flier: Andy Johnson jumps with Blackburn's Ryan Nelson

Johnson: I had to get away from Everton

David Smith, Evening Standard
22.09.08

Andy Johnson has revealed how a move to Fulham has reignited his love for football.

Johnson has yet to score since switching from Everton, although he came desperately close in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Blackburn, but the £10.5million striker said: "I have to admit I wasn't enjoying my football there.

"I'd like to put the record straight because it's been said that I fell out with manager David Moyes.

"The truth is that we never had one argument. We got on really well and I've got a lot of respect for him."

The main issue for Johnson at Goodison Park was his role in the team.

He said: "The problem came down to wanting to play in my best position and the fact I was either out of the team or stuck on the right wing, in a position I didn't like.

"David liked to play 4-5-1, which basically meant there were four strikers going for one place.

"Yakubu was on fire and there was a lack of midfielders at the club, which meant me playing on the right.

"It wasn't my position and I was frustrated because I wanted to play through the middle.

"I was stuck out on the right wing for nine or 10 games and I just think, over time, I lost a bit of confidence and, with that, my form. That's when I stopped enjoying my football."

Johnson was denied at Ewood Park by keeper Paul Robinson who was in outstanding form and Rovers won with an 84th-minute header from sub Matt Derbyshire.

Reader views (0)

 Add your view

No comments have so far been submitted.


Add your comment

 

Your email address will not be published

Terms and conditions make text area bigger You have  characters left.