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BLIND, STUPID AND DESPERATE
 
Editorials:
Johnno's rockets
By Matt Rowson
 
29th December 1991. Abbey Stadium, Cambridge United, Dion Dublin and all, murder Watford but lose 1-0 thanks to Steve Butler scoring a goal with his arse. And a happy new year to all. Somewhat incidental in all this was the debut of 17 year old Richard Johnson in the midfield.

Johnno took a while to really establish himself in the side, and it wasn't until almost two years later, during a home game with Sunderland, that the fearsome power in his boots presented itself...a shot from the edge of the area which rebounded off the crossbar to the halfway line.

The beginning of the following season saw Johnno's first goal, and the start of a purple patch for the Aussie midfielder. Belting the ball from a ludicrous distance over a highly embarassed Ian Walker, Johnno equalised Teddy Sheringham's goal to silence the amassed Spurs fans who'd showed up for an inconspicuous pre-season debut by Jurgen Klinsmann.

In the months that followed, we saw long-range efforts against Middlesbrough, Reading and, perhaps the defining moment, against Graham Taylor's Wolves. A one-nil lead and complete domination for most of the match counted for nothing as Neil Emblen equalised. In the closing moments, with a packed North Stand on its feet, Johnno ignored Gary Porter’s instructions to send the ball wide by hitting a screamer into the top corner. Cue insane celebration..."He’s got a kick like a kangaroo" exclaimed the Endsleigh League Extra commentator the next week. Quite.

Since then, occasional moments to savour against Sheffield United in the relegation season and a belter at home to Burnley in our first season in Division 2. But it's only this season that he's started to build up the collection again. Perhaps the dramatic form which has come with this is the best evidence possible that booing your own players (you know who you are) is the act of the very stupid. Long live Johnno (and the dynamite in his boots).