BURY Town have pulled off a major coup by securing the services of former Ipswich Town and Colchester United stalwart, Gavin Johnson, for the new season.
By Carl Marston
BURY Town have pulled off a major coup by securing the services of former Ipswich Town and Colchester United stalwart, Gavin Johnson, for the new season.
Johnson spent last term at Oxford United, who failed in their bid to make an immediate return to the Football League by losing in the Conference play-offs.
The 36-year-old had several offers to join high-level clubs this term, but he has opted to sign for Bury, much to the delight of Blues boss Richard Wilkins.
Johnson and Wilkins were team-mates during their days at Colchester, and this past relationship obviously had a bearing on Johnson's decision to move to Ram Meadow.
“I'm really pleased that we have managed to sign Gavin (Johnson). These sort of players do not come up very often, unless they want mega money,” said Wilkins last night.
“It was Steve McGavin (another former Colchester player) who got the two of us together. I had sent Gavin (Johnson) several messages in June, after he was released by Oxford, but unbeknown to me, he had changed his phone!
“We got together and what we could offer, and what he wanted, were not miles apart. He had a few offers from some decent level clubs, but he has had enough of travelling long distances.
“Gavin has a young child and his wife works. Bury is only 15 minutes down the road from where he lives, so he was happy to sign.
“He should be a big help to our young team. He can play at left-back, centre-half or in midfield, and the move is convenient for him. He has a slight calf niggle at the moment, but he should be OK in 10 days' time,” added Wilkins.
Johnson confirmed last night: “I saw Bury play against Walsham-le-Willows in a recent friendly, and they have a decent young squad. I'm looking forward to playing for them.
“As soon as Oxford were beaten in the play-offs, after a penalty shoot-out, I knew that my time there was over. I've had enough of travelling long distances, which was the case last season, and I know Richard (Wilkins) well from our days together at Colchester.”
Johnson made 131 league appearances for Ipswich Town, his first club, and went on to play 146 league games for Colchester later in his career.
He has also been on the books of Luton, Wigan, Dunfermline, Boston, Northampton and Oxford.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here