Rich has written a fascinating analysis of Andy Johnson’s career over at CCN. The common consensus seems to be that he’s surplus to requirements at Fulham, especially if Martin Jol brings in a new striker or two, as we expect.
Plenty of clubs have been circling to take the England international off our hands. QPR have been linked previously and we reported Leicester City’s interest only this morning. There’s a school of thought that Johnson hasn’t scored enough goals during his time at the Cottage, but mere statistics only tell part of the story. They don’t describe just how devastating his partnership with Bobby Zamora was. Johnson’s first season at the club – the one where Bobby didn’t really fire – saw them frighten a whole host of Premier League defences. With Zamora looking a lot sharper as we entered Europe, who knows what might have happened had he not been banjoed, to use Roy Hodgson’s memorable phrase, by a cynical Amkar Perm defender.
After his injury struggles last season, plenty were quick to forecast that we wouldn’t see AJ in a Fulham shirt again. He came back sharp and hungry – and scored some important goals. The equaliser at Wigan might have been a little fortunate, but it was vital. Equally crucial was his instant impact at Wolves. We can’t forget another point-saver at Aston Villa either. Johnson might not have the searing pace that saw him light up the Premier League with Crystal Palace, but his movement and work rate will always trouble defenders and create chances. He’s not a bad poacher, either, as those goals prove.
He might not be Jol’s first choice to partner Zamora, but by virtue of how brilliantly the pair have gelled, he surely deserves another chance. Tossing him aside would seem like a real waste.
agreed fully!!
I don’t remember them ever being devastating. I remember thinking “how in the hell do you miss that shot” a lot. AJ is always offside and AJ rarely scores. Ten goals in 3 seasons. This is what Jol will be thinking.
Bit harsh. I think Johnson and Zamora were a top partnership for a year and a half until injury intervened. His goal stats might not show it but AJ played a key part in our seventh-place finish and did well on his return to the side this season too.
Jol might well strengthen the forward line with a couple of class signings but until he does I think AJ deserves a chance to show the new manager what he can do.