RJ had a little spell at West Ham recently .. from all accounts I have heard he was OK to decent as an emergency stand in .. he's not a Brummie, he's from Surrey, he's tall' experienced and 31 years old .. what's not to like at least for the rest of the season. If/when Ben Haim and Bikey go, he'll be needed for the longer term as well
Roger Johnson says he can’t wait to start playing football again after becoming Charlton’s latest signing.
The 31-year-old signed a contract at The Valley until the end of the season on Tuesday before training with his new teammates for the first time.
Johnson brings with him a wealth of experience having played nearly 300 games in the top two divisions and believes he has plenty to offer his new club.
“It’s good to be here,” he told www.cafc.co.uk.
“I’m just looking forward to getting back to playing again to be honest. It has been a while since I was fully in with the squad and training every day so I’m looking forward to getting back into the day-to-day routine of training properly and getting games.”
Johnson spent time on loan at West Ham United and Sheffield Wednesday last season, but did not feature for Wolverhampton Wanderers this season before leaving the club on Monday.
He has already spoken with Addicks boss Guy Luzon about what is expected of him during his time in SE7 and has a positive first impression following his first day at Sparrows Lane.
“It took me five hours to get down here from Birmingham this morning, so that wasn’t a great start,” Johnson laughed.
“Training was good, though. I enjoyed being with the group because it’s been a while.
“The manager and I had a brief conversation and he has mentioned that we need experience and an organiser. I cover both of those and have played a lot of games in the Championship. Organising and shouting and all that is part of my game so it should be OK.
“The manager did ask me before I signed how fit I was and how long will it take? I want to get back playing as soon as possible, but I’m not going to go in and be flagging after 60 minutes and let the boys and the manager down.
“I’ve said to him that after a good solid week of training I’ll be looking to get into the team and go from there.”
Johnson added: “I’m an old-fashioned centre-half. I like a tackle, I like to head the ball and then give to people who can play.
“I’ll be organising, making sure we don’t concede and then hopefully the forward players can do their job. Hopefully we can tighten things up and I’m looking forward to being involved.
“I’m not looking to walk straight into the team, that is the manager’s decision, but I’ll be training as hard as possible to get myself as fit as possible and stand a good chance.”
Just watched the video of Johnson's Sky interview posted above ....... I thought he came over as very subdued and depressed at his situation at Wolves.
It must be a joy for him to get away and start again. He'll be desperate to get his career back on track - and as someone pointed out, earn himself a new contract.
He's 32 in April. He's got no time to lose. And he knows that.
We are only going in one direction if RD persists with short term signings and managerial appointments. A football club cannot progress without a long-tern strategy and we don't have one and there is no intention of putting one in place.
Just watched the video of Johnson's Sky interview posted above ....... I thought he came over as very subdued and depressed at his situation at Wolves.
It must be a joy for him to get away and start again. He'll be desperate to get his career back on track - and as someone pointed out, earn himself a new contract.
He's 32 in April. He's got no time to lose. And he knows that.
This, an experienced old fashioned CB, an organiser who is vocal, which we have missed in JJs absence IMO, with something to prove, what's not to like.
I like to think he'll be someone who's desperate to play (different circumstances but akin to Darren Fletcher needing to play having missed so much football in recent years).
Meh, signing a complete wanker like him not exactly helping my lack of enthusiasm about Charlton but despite that Yaya clip being my first thought of him (second behind him turning up to training drunk) he probably is an upgrade on what Bikey has been doing recently. I guess there has and will be worse human beings signed for football clubs this season so if you look at it from purely a football aspect it isn't bad.
I've been banging on a bit, for me, recently about RD and his running of our club, I do not intend to change those views, however I'm impressed with the way Roger comes over and if we can get the best out of him then that'll be a good addition to the squad...so welcome RJ and I hope you earn a long-term contract....I'm more than prepared to give you a chance mate and i hope others will as well.
Now RD where is our up-front hold-up man and attacking m/f player??
What's done is done - in the past he's done some very stupid things but it seems that perhaps the penny has dropped. If he is serious about turning himself around there is still a good defender in there somewhere; until such times as he turns up drunk at Sparrows Lane then for me, the past has passed and I am willing to give him a chance to show what he can do - over to you Roger...
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The 31-year-old signed a contract at The Valley until the end of the season on Tuesday before training with his new teammates for the first time.
Johnson brings with him a wealth of experience having played nearly 300 games in the top two divisions and believes he has plenty to offer his new club.
“It’s good to be here,” he told www.cafc.co.uk.
“I’m just looking forward to getting back to playing again to be honest. It has been a while since I was fully in with the squad and training every day so I’m looking forward to getting back into the day-to-day routine of training properly and getting games.”
Johnson spent time on loan at West Ham United and Sheffield Wednesday last season, but did not feature for Wolverhampton Wanderers this season before leaving the club on Monday.
He has already spoken with Addicks boss Guy Luzon about what is expected of him during his time in SE7 and has a positive first impression following his first day at Sparrows Lane.
“It took me five hours to get down here from Birmingham this morning, so that wasn’t a great start,” Johnson laughed.
“Training was good, though. I enjoyed being with the group because it’s been a while.
“The manager and I had a brief conversation and he has mentioned that we need experience and an organiser. I cover both of those and have played a lot of games in the Championship. Organising and shouting and all that is part of my game so it should be OK.
“The manager did ask me before I signed how fit I was and how long will it take? I want to get back playing as soon as possible, but I’m not going to go in and be flagging after 60 minutes and let the boys and the manager down.
“I’ve said to him that after a good solid week of training I’ll be looking to get into the team and go from there.”
Johnson added: “I’m an old-fashioned centre-half. I like a tackle, I like to head the ball and then give to people who can play.
“I’ll be organising, making sure we don’t concede and then hopefully the forward players can do their job. Hopefully we can tighten things up and I’m looking forward to being involved.
“I’m not looking to walk straight into the team, that is the manager’s decision, but I’ll be training as hard as possible to get myself as fit as possible and stand a good chance.”
It must be a joy for him to get away and start again.
He'll be desperate to get his career back on track - and as someone pointed out, earn himself a new contract.
He's 32 in April. He's got no time to lose.
And he knows that.
Might struggle a bit here with the last part.
Still pissed off about the lack of strikers
Welcome Roger, good luck.
I haven't looked at the link but I don't think I would
I'd provide him with a broken bottle and some duct tape if I ever heard you'd upset him though
Now back to ignore mode :- )
'Actually played well for us, wouldn't have been disappointed if we'd signed him as a backup centre back.'
Now RD where is our up-front hold-up man and attacking m/f player??
Nice to see the comedy genius of Robin Williams alive and swinging
I'd hardly call 4 months permanent, but Hope this turns into a positive signing...........