The former Reds forward, popularly known as “Doc,” passed away this morning at the age of 71. During a six-year career with the team, he scored 78 goals in 213 games. Let’s see how did he die? and what was David Johnson cause of death? in detail.
How did David Johnson die?
Former England striker David Johnson, the first player to score in the Merseyside derby for both Liverpool and Everton, passed away at the age of 71.
The news was confirmed by Liverpool FC on their twitter feed. No more information was provided.
Rest in peace, Doc. We’re deeply saddened by the passing of David Johnson. The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with David’s family and friends.
Liverpool FC
Rest in peace, Doc.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 23, 2022
We’re deeply saddened by the passing of David Johnson.
The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with David’s family and friends.
Robbie Fowler also shared his emotional condolences for David Johnson death.
RIP Doc pic.twitter.com/KppNU117uu
— Robbie Fowler (@Robbie9Fowler) November 23, 2022
Who was David Johnson?
A forward who played for Liverpool in the 1970s and 1980s, David Edward Johnson (23 October 1951 – 23 November 2022) was an English professional footballer and manager. He also represented the England national team while playing for Ipswich Town, Everton, and other teams.
Career as Everton striker
As a young player, Johnson joined for Everton, a rival of Liverpool. After displaying his talent in his first few games, Liverpool manager Bill Shankly pushed Everton manager Harry Catterick to let Johnson leave, but Catterick refused.
On January 8, 1971, at Turf Moor, Johnson made his 19-year-old Everton debut in a 2-2 league tie with Burnley. Johnson scored for Everton later that year in a Merseyside Derby match.
Johnson joined Bobby Robson’s Ipswich Town
Johnson joined Bobby Robson’s Ipswich Town in November 1972 in exchange for Rod Belfitt, the club’s leading scorer, and £40,000. On November 4, 1972, at Portman Road, he made his Ipswich debut against Leeds United in a 2-2 tie. On December 2 of the same year, in Maine Road’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City, he scored his first goal for the team.
Johnson had assisted Ipswich in reaching the Texaco Cup final, where they faced fierce East Anglian rivals Norwich City, at the end of his first season. Ipswich won the two-leg match 4-2 overall after taking both legs by a combined score of 2-1.
Ipswich was drawn against Real Madrid in the UEFA Cup first round the next year. Ipswich defeated their illustrious opponents 1-0 at home while holding Real to a scoreless draw in front of 80,000 spectators at the Bernabéu.
Italian team S.S. Lazio will play in the following round. Johnson had the ball as Giancarlo Oddi attempted to close him down after the team was down 4-0 with just 20 minutes remaining. Oddi then launched a challenge from waist height, sending Johnson sprawling to the ground clutching his groyne. Johnson had to be carried off and missed the next three games as a result.
For the second leg in Rome, Johnson returned from his injury and took his spot on the bench. Lazio scored early on and then again just before halftime while he watched. Colin Viljoen sent in a penalty for Ipswich. Later, Lazio added two more goals to draw the game once more. With the score 5-4 overall in the 88th minute, Robson turned to Johnson.
He scored the goal that would ultimately decide the match in Ipswich’s favour with almost his very first touch. Ipswich defeated FC Twente of the Netherlands in the following round, but lost to Locomotiv Leipzig of East Germany in the quarterfinals 4-3 on penalties after the teams drew 1-1 in regulation and extra time.
He was a tenacious, play-linking forward who scored 35 goals in his four seasons with the club. He also had a successful combination with Trevor Whymark. Johnson was called up by Don Revie for his first England cap while playing for Ipswich.
Debut in a British Home Championship game
On May 21, 1975, at Wembley, he made his professional debut in a British Home Championship game. Johnson scored both goals in a 2-2 tie for Wales in the away team’s game. At Wembley, he also scored twice in a 3-1 victory over the world champions Argentina, Diego Maradona’s first game in England.
Johnson was a member of Ron Greenwood’s team for the 1980 European Championships, but he finished third to Garry Birtles and Paul Mariner, who took his position at Ipswich. In those games, he scored six goals and earned eight caps.
Johnson refused to leave, therefore Tottenham Hotspur made a failed offer of about £200,000 in 1976. He did, however, go back to Merseyside after making 137 league appearances for Ipswich.
Career on Liverpool FC
Johnson joined Liverpool for a record-breaking £200,000 fee. On August 21, 1976, at Anfield, he made his club debut in a 1-0 league victory over Norwich. He got his first goal a week later on the 28th, but Birmingham City defeated Liverpool 2-1 at St Andrews despite his goal.
He frequently filled in for Kevin Keegan in his debut season, competing with John Toshack and David Fairclough for the role. As the season came to a close, Liverpool was vying for a historic treble of the League championship, FA Cup, and European Cup.
With the League title, Johnson won his first domestic award. He was also chosen to be Keegan’s strike partner in the 1977 FA Cup Final at Wembley, but Liverpool fell short to Manchester United 2-1. Johnson had no effect and was replaced in the second half by Ian Callaghan.
Three days later, manager Bob Paisley chose to stick with the lineup that had defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach at Wembley, starting Callaghan and placing Johnson on the bench. He was awarded a medal as Liverpool prevailed 3-1.
Johnson became the first player to score in a Merseyside derby for both clubs in April 1978 when he scored for Liverpool at Goodison Park. Only one other player, Peter Beardsley, has since accomplished this accomplishment as of 2018.
Johnson played in 1981 as Liverpool won their first League Cup and third European Cup (against Real Madrid in the final). In 1979 and 1980, Johnson was a prolific centre forward as Liverpool regained and then retained the title. However, that first League Cup victory served as a portent of things to come.
Johnson sat on the bench for the Wembley replay after the first match finished in a 1-1 draw as a result of Paisley’s choice to start the youthful Ian Rush. Rush played well despite not scoring, and the next season Johnson was less commonly employed as Kenny Dalglish’s regular partner.
In 1982, Johnson achieved enough to earn a final league championship medal and another League Cup victory. He did this after being given the substitute jersey for the championship game.
David’s honours and achivements
- Texaco Cup
- Football League First Division
- FA Charity Shield
- UEFA Super Cup
- Football League First Division PFA Team of the Year
- Ipswich Town Hall of Fame
Tribute to David Johnson
CaptainFlack said,
Sad about David Johnson. He used to use the gym at the Moat House when I went after work. Was always a nice, unassuming fella.
Nick Clarke said,
Saddened to hear the passing of Doc RIP David Johnson #YNWA
dave watson said,
RIP David Johnson what a great player sending love ❤️ to his family
Professional Footballers’ Association said,
Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of David Johnson
Rock’n’RollCEO said,
Just logged in to check on the football and the first thing I see is David Johnson has passed. RIP Doc.
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