Dick Johnson

Johnson was a cunning and skilful forward who averaged a goal every other game from the 26 first division appearances he made during the 1920/21 season, including a hat-trick as Preston North End were thrashed 6-0 at Anfield on 25 September 1920. But injury meant that he had to watch the whole season from the sidelines as his colleagues won the club's third championship in the First Division in 1922. However, he was a key figure a year later when the title was retained scoring a hat-trick in the opening 5-2 win over Arsenal, only missing five League games and scoring 14. Johnson was a popular player with his party trick always met with great applause as the Liverpool Echo reported in 1923: "Johnson met with one of those overhead cycle kicks, very entertaining and becoming much loved by the Anfield fans." The Athletic News described him in August 1922: "Although only slightly built, he is clever on the ball, and a trustful and enthusiastic player." Johnson only played two games in the 1923/24 season as he seriously injured his knee in the opening game of the season. He also struggled with injury the following season before departing for second division Stoke in February 1925. Johnson died only 37 years of age after a long illness.