Harry Johnson (footballer)
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Harry Johnson | ||
Personal information | ||
---|---|---|
Full name | Harry Johnson | |
Date of birth | January 4, 1899 | |
Place of birth | Sheffield, England | |
Date of death | 1981 | |
Nickname | young harry | |
Position | Striker | |
Youth clubs | ||
Ecclesfield | ||
Professional clubs* | ||
Years | Club | Apps (goals) |
1916-1930 1932-1935 |
Sheffield United Halifax Town Total |
313 (201) 163 (104) 476 (305) |
* Professional club appearances and goals |
Harry Johnson (born. January 4, 1899 in Ecclesfield, Sheffield - died. 1981) was an footballer who played for Sheffield United between 1916-1931. He played in the position of striker.
He is Sheffield United's all-time leading goalscorer with 201 goals in 313 games, which he scored between 1919 and 1930. He was nicknamed young harry, so as not to be confused with his father of the same name, who also played for the Blades as a right half.
Johnson was a part-time professional with boundless enthusiasm. He had a tireless energy, born of a simple love of the game and never gave the opponent defenders a minute of peace. He also had remarkable pace, and could turn half-chances into goals. His cheerfulness and pluck made him one of the all-time favourites amongst Sheffield United supporters.
As a part time player, he on many occasions had to gain permission from Hadfield Steel Works in Sheffield (who were his full time employees) for a weeks release to play for United. At the start of the First World War, Harry joined the army and served in France. He signed for United during the Wartime in 1916.
He played his first match in United colours for a Reserve United side at Heckmondwike, and upset the home fans who 'displayed a certain amount of animosity,' and one irate man even waved a gun at him!, fortunately for Harry and United it wasn't loaded.[1] He made his first team debut in 1923, replacing Bert Menlove at centre-forward. In 1925 he was an FA Cup Final winner with United, and scored 23 goals in the same season.
In 1928, United were drawn against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup 5th Round. The tie at Hillsborough ended 3-3. In the Replay at Bramall Lane on February 22, 1928, the match belonged to Johnson in front of 59,447 spectators, as he became the first player to score 3 goals in a Steel City derby and all in an 18 minute period.
He also jointly holds the Sheffield United record for most goals in a game - five against West Ham United in 1929. Harry stayed with United for 16 years before finally leaving to join Mansfield Town in 1932.
[edit] References
- ^ Clarebrough, Denis (1989). Sheffield United F.C., The First 100 years. Sheffield United Football Club.