Sam Johnstone - now retired

[Damo70]

I pointed out on here a couple of months ago that Bosnich was the best Villa keeper in my forty years as a supporter and for me was on his way to being one of the best in the world. I also pointed out that his massive weakness was his kicking. Somebody replied to my post by quite rightly pointing out that Bosnich had worked his way up to being a top goalkeeper just before the back pass rule was introduced so probably hadn't worked on his kicking from a young age like modern keepers would.

[paul_e]

I'm still very much on the fence about Johnstone.  He's a very good shotstopper, too good for this league in fact.  The problem is he doesn't stand out in this league because there's nothing else that great about his game.  We've looked ropey from corners for months because he doesn't command his 6 yard box but also doesn't communicate well with the defence. On top of that he slows everything down, we never counter attack at pace and a lack of vision from Johnstone is a big part of it (and poor throwing and kicking adds to it as well).  He's also looked a bit suspect from one-on-ones a few times but we defend deep enough that he doesn't have many to deal with, I'm not sure we'll get away with that if w're promoted.

I don't think he's a bad keeper, I just don't think he's ready to be first choice in the premier league but I suspect (if we go up) we'll sign him to be that and end up looking for another keeper in January when his confidence is completely shot because teams have targeted his weaknesses.  I'm glad Man U added the extra year so we have to think it through much more than we would've if he was a free, I don't think it alone will be enough though and sentimentality will mean he's first choice regardless.

[wittonwarrior]

I'm still very much on the fence about Johnstone.  He's a very good shotstopper, too good for this league in fact.  The problem is he doesn't stand out in this league because there's nothing else that great about his game.  We've looked ropey from corners for months because he doesn't command his 6 yard box but also doesn't communicate well with the defence. On top of that he slows everything down, we never counter attack at pace and a lack of vision from Johnstone is a big part of it (and poor throwing and kicking adds to it as well).  He's also looked a bit suspect from one-on-ones a few times but we defend deep enough that he doesn't have many to deal with, I'm not sure we'll get away with that if w're promoted.

I don't think he's a bad keeper, I just don't think he's ready to be first choice in the premier league but I suspect (if we go up) we'll sign him to be that and end up looking for another keeper in January when his confidence is completely shot because teams have targeted his weaknesses.  I'm glad Man U added the extra year so we have to think it through much more than we would've if he was a free, I don't think it alone will be enough though and sentimentality will mean he's first choice regardless.

Without a doubt will be properly found out in the premiership where everything is that tad sharper

[cdbearsfan]

I like him. He's much better than last season. He'll be much better again next season. He'll definitely play for England and we should sign him up if we have the opportunity to do so. I think it's most likely that he'll go on loan to a Premier League team next season. Hopefully us.

[footyskillz]

Jack Butland been talking up Sam Johnstone for England World Cup call up. Perhaps he knows something and that Johnstone being looked at?

"They certainly have a Premier League keeper and that is a big thing for them. I don’t live too far away from Sam and I bump into him a lot."

“It is great to see him playing consistently. He has found a home and a club that cares for him, which is so important."

“There is more than just me, Joe and Jordan fighting for the England shirt – Sam is firmly in the mix as well.”

[tomd2103]

I pointed out on here a couple of months ago that Bosnich was the best Villa keeper in my forty years as a supporter and for me was on his way to being one of the best in the world. I also pointed out that his massive weakness was his kicking. Somebody replied to my post by quite rightly pointing out that Bosnich had worked his way up to being a top goalkeeper just before the back pass rule was introduced so probably hadn't worked on his kicking from a young age like modern keepers would.

He would have still had to have taken goal kicks though and they were shocking when he first came through.  He obviously did work on it because his kicking improved over the years, but the rest of his game was top class.   

[Dave P]

Johnstone going to the world cup will only bump his price up.  Great for him and I hope he makes it, but we will probably have to think of other options if that happens, even with promotion.

[darren woolley]

Like I've said before I really want us to sign him up in the summer he can only get better.

[b23]

Johnstone is a decent goalie.

Alex Smithies is better.

[villa `cross the mersey]

Sam will not be attending church on Easter Sunday - apparently he doesn't come out for crosses

[SoccerHQ]

Johnstone consistently finding the wing. His distribution isn't that bad and he's playing to instructions.

Bozzie was world class in every aspect apart from his kicking, especially from the ground, which was atrocious.

That performance up at Roker Park was phenomenal. I've yet to see anything like it in the 24 and a bit years since.

We were comprehensively outplayed and won 4-1!

Highlights of the game off the Brilliant Villaboy youtube channel.

Bozzie masterclass, how on earth did he claw that header out from the top corner.

Dalian in his pomp.

Cracking ball from Richardson for the first goal aswell.

[mr underhill]

I hope he goes to West Ham.

[Clampy]

I hope he goes to West Ham.

Why?

[mr underhill]

because I don't rate him - his kicking is totally diabolical and he can't command his area . He doesn't know when to punch and when to collect. Etc.

[wittonwarrior]

Again a very good shot stopper.  There are better goalies out there at Championship level or below - The QPR one for starters. 

Doesn't move off his line freely at corners, his distribution from the one leg he  can kick  with is poor to say the least.  It's harsh I know but my honest assessment of an average keeper who would struggle playing against sharper attackers.

I wouldn't make him a priority if we go up - football is a hard faced game and we can't have any sentiment if we are to survive in the premiership next season.