Michael “Magic” Johnson Talks to Joys and Sorrows

It’s been a while since I have done a player interview, so here is another one. This time the Blues favourite Michael Johnson. (Images used with kind permission of Birmingham City FC.)

So Michael, how did you get involved in football?

I was playing for the city football team at 14 years old and while playing for them, I got picked to represent Notts County u15. I just loved playing football, and was always playing at home!
  
When did you get your break in a professional sense?

I was 17 and Craig Short had a nasty toe injury, so I got the nod from Neil Warnock that I’d be playing against Arsenal away against a then record signing Ian Wright.
 
How did you discover you were going to Blues, and what were your initial thoughts about coming?

Funniest thing ever. Barry Fry rang me on the way home from a Blues game. They had just lost.

“Jonno, it’s Bazza. Get your arse down to St Andrews in the morning. I wanna chat. ” That was how i found out that Blues were interested!

 
What were your initial thoughts of the club when you arrived?

A sleeping giant, a club that had for years not seen top flight football. It’s a massive club with a terrific fan base. I was determined to be part of a team that would deliver Premier League football to the fans.
 
You appeared for the club not far off 300 times and scored 12 goals. Which moments, (other than the play off final we will come to that!), stick in your mind? Do you remember any of your 12 goals for us? If so why?

The one against Baggies sticks out in my mind the clock was ticking the ball came across and I stuck a leg out and diverted into the net. Also the goal against Newcastle in the Worthington Cup when we beat them 2-1. I got the winner, I remember it so well because Shearer was marking me. Also running out in the side at Man Utd.
 
I don’t think any Blues fan will forget you with that hat on and blowing the horn after we won the play-off final. I have to ask you the important question. Were you always musical?

Yeah, I love music!!! You know every where I go, young and old, they all remember my jig with the hat and horn. I still have the hat!
 
Ok serious now, tell us about the play off final. What was that day like, what do you remember of playing at Cardiff? What happened after?

It was the highlight of my career for the club. To wait so long for top flight and for me to be part of that team that delivered that to them, (the fans), was like mission accomplished.

The place was littered with a sea of blue and white and all the boys were made up by it. I remember the day like it was yesterday. When Darren Carter hit the back of the net, the whole place went barmy. Me and Andrew Johnson went on a 2 week bender ha ha!
 
Tell us about any other favourite Blues moment or funny story that the fans may like!

There are so many I remember. Barry Fry running down the side of the pitch when we had scored, I also remember Bazza when we were playing Ipswich away. We were 1 down, so at half time we’ve walked into the changing room.

“C’mon lads” I shouted, “we’re still in it.”

To which Barry said ” Jonno shut up youve been &*%$?@ hopeless, you’re off.”

I was just about to pipe up, when he said “nah nah it’s not your fault son – it’s mine for picking ya!”

What do you say to that!

Another one, because Steve Bruce had played in a Champions League and he always liked to remind the lads of this when a new signing had arrived to train. We used to have a League 1 square,  a Championshp square,  a Premier League square and a Champions League square.  It was funny, as the gaffer was the only one who could go into the champions league square as this was the highest square the best one and only he had played at that level.

You could only go in the square depending on what level you played at before joining the Blues, Christope Dugarry rolls into town, the gaffer shouts as usual when a new signing arrives, Premier league , Championship , League 1 , or Champions League. He was giggling like mad as he made is way to the Champions League square, Christophe stood there perplexed for a good minute.

The manager walked over to him and said “problem christophe?”

“Yes” he said, “you have no World Cup winners square!” Brucie was bowled and the lads were in bits and rolling around with laughter!

 
When did you realise that you maybe on the way out of the club?

To be fair, Brucie brought Matt Upson to replace me. As soon as he signed, I knew the writing was on the wall. I was gutted as I had given the club 9 years service. I was a year away from my testimonial and I wanted to end it at Blues. But it wasn’t to be, so I left for Derby County.
 
What were your football experiences after the Blues?

I got promoted with Derby County, I helped Sheff Wed avoid relegation. 10 games and no points when I arrived. They finished comfortably above the relegation zone in the end though.
 
You recently tried your hand at management. How did it go? Is it something you want to do? Do you think there is issues for people who are black who want to be a manager?

I loved it. I’m doing my pro-licence this summer.  You never know in football as to whether you get the chance, so you must be prepared and have the relevant qualifications.

Yes there are issues surrounding Black managers. We have 92 league clubs, look at the amount of black people playing the game – yet we have 1 black manager in all the leagues its not right.
 
What question should I have asked, and what is your answer?

Do you still love the blues?!

The answer is totally! The fans had Michael Johnson at his pomp, (21-30), for 9 years. I got promoted to the top flight, got to a major cup final, and also represented my country whilst playing for this club. To you the fans, I’m eternally grateful for all your support over the years.

Michael, thank you so much for those answers. I suspect that the comments will reflect your answers back to you!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you – MICHAEL JOHNSON!