Sam Johnstone - now retired

[andyh]

I like Johnstone and I think he has saved or won us quite a few points this season.
But, I can’t help thinking that nerves are starting to get to him.
I think he was the worst he has been during the Hull game with very poor kicking and for me, he appeared to be indecisive with his decisions.

[achilles]

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.

Midfield players getting into the box (and scoring), Dalian just superb, pace, pace and more pace, then you had a proper goalkeeper on top of all that, those were the days!

[achilles]

Don't rate Johnstone, far too indecisive for me.
The defence just doesn't know what he is going to do, nowhere near England ability!

Much preferred Bentley who ended up at Brentford and we could have got him for peanuts.

[UK Redsox]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/10/sam-johnstone-aston-villa-manchester-united-loan-goalkeeper

This reads as if he's gone if Villa don't get promoted, which is probably fair enough

“It’s been fun getting games in and getting different experiences but I’m 25 now and ready to settle. Hopefully Villa get promoted and we’ll take things from there.”

Last night's performance will only increase his suitors

[PeterWithe]

I think he deserves a shot at the top, hope it’s with us it if not I’d wish him well. He’s been superb this year, with a few exceptions.

[Mortimer's Bear]

Don't rate Johnstone, far too indecisive for me.
The defence just doesn't know what he is going to do, nowhere near England ability!

Much preferred Bentley who ended up at Brentford and we could have got him for peanuts.

He used to be indecisive, but now he's not so sure...

[darren woolley]

Don't rate Johnstone, far too indecisive for me.
The defence just doesn't know what he is going to do, nowhere near England ability!

Much preferred Bentley who ended up at Brentford and we could have got him for peanuts.

He used to be indecisive, but now he's not so sure...

LOL

[mr underhill]

he pulled off one amazing and one very good save last night but his kicking is beyond awful.

[SoccerHQ]

Best game for months last night.

[Mortimer's Bear]

he pulled off one amazing and one very good save last night but his kicking is beyond awful.

A few went astray last night but it is not beyond awful. Bozzy's kicking was beyond awful.

[SoccerHQ]

Neil Etheridge struggle to kick properly aswell.

[Des Little]

He's a good keeper.  Shame he's going to the Alb... oh

[PeterWithesShin]

Not being able to kick a football very well hasn't stopped a lot of players making numerous appearances for us over the last 6 years.

[Risso]

Not being able to kick a football very well hasn't stopped a lot of players making numerous appearances for us over the last 6 years.

And in positions where you'd argue it was more important than it is for a goalkeeper.

[Steve67]

It would be great to have a keeper signed up, reliable and decent for the next, say, five years.  Whether that is SJ or not, I'm not that fussed about.  He's ok but not in the top class bracket just yet.  He might get there with good coaching and by playing at the faster pace of the premier league.  Would I be upset if he went elsewhere?  Not really. Would I be upset if he signs for us with our er, sponsorship money? No.  Not fussed either way.