David Johnson, the former Ipswich Town striker, who played for the club under Sir Bobby Robson, has died, aged 71.
Johnson joined Town in November 1972 from Everton, swapping for Ipswich's top goalscorer, Rod Belfitt and £40,000.
He made his Ipswich debut on 4 November 1972 at Portman Road in a 2–2 draw with Leeds United. His first goal for the club came on 2 December the same year in a1–1 draw with Manchester City at Maine Road.
By the end of his first season Johnson had helped Ipswich to the Texaco Cup final where they met East Anglian derby rivals Norwich City. After the two legged final Ipswich emerged victorious, winning 4–2 on aggregate by winning both legs 2–1.
The following season Ipswich drew Spanish giants Real Madrid in the first round of the UEFA Cup. Ipswich beat their illustrious counterparts by a goal to nil at home and held Real to a goalless draw at the Bernabéu in front of 80,000 supporters.
He scored 46 goals in all competitions in his four seasons at the club as a battling, play-linking forward forging a productive partnership with Trevor Whymark.
It was during his time at Ipswich that Johnson was called up by Don Revie for his first cap for England. He won eight in total.
A strong striker with an eye for goal, Johnson left Town in 1976 for Liverpool, one of the few players to play for both halves of Merseyside where he had huge success winning four league titles and three European Cups under Bob Paisley.
While playing for Ipswich, Johnson opened a shop in the town called 'Jontys'.
He had been ill for some time having been diagnosed with throat cancer in recent years.
Very sad news that former Ipswich Town striker David Johnson has passed away
— Renegade Statman Ⓜ️ #ITFC (@CallMeStat) November 23, 2022
🔵 178 appearances
⚽️ 46 goals (30th all-time)
🏴 King David scored 3 in 3 for England during his time at #ITFC
pic.twitter.com/EkeeKYq9Nc
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