The view on Justin Johnson from Chorley fans and non-league pundits
Kane Drummond’s replacement set to be first of three signings this week
Macc’s summer rebuilding has gotten off to a sensational start with the capture of coveted winger Justin Johnson following his departure from Chorley. Johnson, who turns 28 in August, bagged 14 goals and a host of assists which saw him named in the National League North’s team of the season as Chorley lost out in the play-offs.
Pacey and direct, with excellent dribbling ability and comfortable with both feet, Johnson looks an ideal replacement for Kane Drummond who left for Chesterfield earlier this month and was one of Macc’s key transfer targets.
The Flying Dutchman (born in The Hague), has bounced around the football pyramid with spells in Scotland, Cyprus and England. But it has been during his two-year stint at Chorley where Johnson has blossomed, racking up almost 100 appearances and catching the eye last season with some blistering performances and goals.
On paper, Macc have signed a gem, who has excelled in the division above and was coveted by several clubs – another indication of the Silkmen’s pulling power at non-league level.
But how highly do Chorley and non-league pundits rate Johnson, and what can Macc fans expect? Read on and make your own mind up.
Chorley fans’ views on Justin Johnson
“Not surprised really, Macclesfield are a National League set up looking to get back there asap.”
“Another loss on the wing with Whitehouse also leaving.”
“Yes we are not getting play-offs now. I now reckon mid-table or relegation if we don’t sign his replacement.”
“Must be offering serious coin to drop down a league. I was hoping with new owners we would be able to fend these teams off our best players.”
“It speaks volumes that he was prepared to drop a league. He sulked for the last few games.”
“I expected him to leave this summer, but thought he would have gone up a division instead of down.”
“Sadly inevitable after an unbelievable year. Good luck JJ.”
“I will certainly miss him cutting in from the left and launching the ball onto the car park. Which he did often. Very often.”
“For money reasons only. He won’t get a look in at Macc.”
“Its been a pleasure to watch you this last season, pure entertainment and a bagful of goals. Gutted you’re leaving but wish you the best of luck.”
“Good luck JJ. We will miss you!”
“All the best JJ, it was a pleasure having you at Chorley.”
“You’re getting a top top player. Arguably Chorley’s best player this year and I don’t think I saw a single defender who knew what to do when he was running at them.”
“That’s because JJ didn’t know what he was doing either – he’s not as good as people make out. Doesn’t defend and that’s why he never started when we had Ustabasi. Also as soon as a big club become interested he goes missing. Had a shocking second half of the season compared to the first.”
“Chorley football club are bigger than Justin Johnson. He did well for us but not the end of the world.”
“It’s a huge loss but usually what Chorley do.”
“In my humble opinion he often chose the wrong footballing decision and was very selfish. Maybe now others can shine.”
“Admittedly he did end up mostly making the wrong decisions like at games against Curzon and Chester. However the moments of class I think overshadow the lows of Johnson’s career at Chorley.”
Non league pundits’ views on Justin Johnson
“Southend were interested in Justin Johnson last season. Drops down a league after making the National League North Team of the Season. No doubt Macclesfield are spending big. Great signing though. They’ll be up there again this season as continue moving up the leagues quickly.”
“HUGE signing for Macclesfield. Justin Johnson tore up NLN. You’d have thought National League sides at the very least would look at him. A sign of the pulling power of the project at Macclesfield. Pacey winger with so much end product. Michael Clegg has played a blinder.”
“The dreaded ‘P’ word. I love it when I see players drop down multiple divisions and come out with the ‘I’ve come here for the project’. It does make me laugh.”
“Watched him a fair few times for Chorley and really surprised by this. I thought he’d be moving a level higher (at least), not going down a level! Such a good signing for Macclesfield though, should do absolute bits there. An extremely exciting player to watch.”
“Mention of (Elliott) Whitehouse going there. Are they just going with the targets they had identified if they had got promoted?”
“A sign of the wages on offer.”