Daily Mirror, Andy Johnson Interview: "The boss has been great now we must win something"

Rob of the Rovers

Sunday Mirror wrote:

Andrew Johnson’s career statistics make impressive reading. He has been a reliable source of goals wherever he has been. However, there is one notable gap in Johnson’s CV – a medal from one of football’s major honours.

It’s a void he is determined to fill this season as Fulham contest three cup competitions in the Europa League, Carling Cup and FA Cup.

Johnson, who has progressed under Roy Hodgson’s astute management said: “It would have been fantastic to have a cup run, it really would.”

“The boss here has done a fantastic job here. I would say he is one of the best, if not the best, I have worked with in my career. I can’t remember staying behind so often after training to work on parts of my game.”

“I really do feel at home here. And yes, I feel we have a chance of winning something major. I know I am as hungry as I have ever been to win something and the great thing is I am surrounded by players just as hungry as me.”

“Players like Clint Dempsey, Danny Murphy, Dixon Etuhu, Brede Hangeland – all good players and determined to do well. Europe really excites me, I loved it while I was with Everton and I can’t wait to be involved again.”

“I think that I have not had a bad career, but I still haven’t won a major piece of silverware. I have still to experience that ‘What a day!’ feeling and hopefully I will be able to do that this season.”

Wherever Johnson has played, he has dealt with in football’s most precious currency – goals. At Birmingham he helped the Blues to promotion and the League Cup Final. At Crystal Palace he made a big contribution to their promotion to the top flight. And at Everton he played a major part in the David Moyes revolution that helped establish the club in the top six and qualify for the Champions League.

Last season, he showed the scoring prowess again as Fulham defied the odds and reached the giddy heights of seventh in the Premier League. And along the way, Johnson has collected eight England caps.

What Fulham have to live with now is an unusual sensation after their exploits last season – expectancy from a crowd who have for decades have lived in the shadow of their neighbours at Stamford Bridge.

Johnson said: “Teams are now taking note of Fulham and I have no doubts it is going to be harder this year. But just as importantly, Fulham now has respect. That was seen in the FA Cup last season when we played Manchester United in the quarter finals.”

“Often in cups United don’t put out their strongest line-up, but they did against us. They won 4-1, but they did it with what was arguably their strongest team. That shows respect.”
At the end of the season the World Cup finals – the biggest show in football – will be staged. Under Fabio Capello, England were within touching distance of a place in South Africa 2010.

Johnson is yet to figure in one of Capello’s squads, but he’s not give up hope. He said: “Fulham is my priority, but Mr Capello has shown he will pick players in form. I will just keep working hard and keep my fingers crossed.”

First, though comes his commitment to Fulham – and the chance to lift a trophy at last.

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DONCASTER ROVERS PREDICTION LEAGUE CHAMPION 2008

Billy Casper

I really like Roy Hodgson, he has turned Fulham around and has the likeablility factor.

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Bjorn Again Casuals....