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'Teddy' making most of a second chance <DIV class=KonaBody>
By Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer
Jermaine Johnson - reuters
That Jermaine Johnson was blessed with football gifts had never been in doubt. What has been in question is if the player has the hunger and the requisite discipline to make the most of his God-given talents.
When he became the first home-grown player to sign directly for the English Premiership in August 2001 by joining countryman Ricardo Gardner at Bolton Wanderers, many thought that the stage was set for Johnson to display his talents to the world. Everything appeared headed in that direction when Johnson received rave reviews following his debut against Arsenal where he had the likes of Patrick Vieira looking ordinary.
It would not last, however, and in less than two years he was on his way out, first on loan to Division Three side Yeovil, then another loan move to Oldham Athletic, which was later made permanent.
Even while he was at Bolton Wanderers whispers were heard about the player's attitude and soon he ended up back in Jamaica with Tivoli Gardens. He stayed there for a season and just when it was thought that the country was about to lose another talented player from the professional ranks, he was picked up in July by League One team Bradford City.
"I feel really blessed to get this next opportunity and now it is up to me to work really hard and show them that I can produce. I promise you I will not waste this one," the 26-year-old midfielder toldStar Sports.
Even at times when many thought that he was now on the professional scrap heap, Johnson said he never gave up hope.
"I knew I would get a second chance and I had the confidence to make the best of it when it came, but I did not know when it would come. What I did was just to keep playing my football. It has come now and I am trying to make the best of it," he added.
Making the best of the opportunity appears to be what Johnson is doing as he has recorded a number of man-of-the-match performances which had the fans urging management to tie him down to a proper contract so he would not walk away for a better offer at the end of the season for free.
Management heeded the call.
"I signed a one-year contract extension but I think some teams are expressing an interest in me so we will see what happens in January. The only one I know about right now is Stoke City," Johnson said of the club, which is home to national captain Ricardo Fuller.
Happy 'baller <SMALL>
Bradford may be a far cry from the Premiership but Johnson has never been happier.
"I am really happy now playing for Bradford. I am playing really well at the moment, the other players look up to me and the fans really like me so it is good and I am enjoying my time.
"They look to me to do a good job for them and I am doing my best and I am really, really comfortable here," Johnson said of his Bradford experience.
Known for his mesmerising dribbles which can excite and frustrate, Johnson said the Bradford experience is improving him as a player which will help him to cement his place in the national team.
"The training is really good and it is helping me to balance out my game. In training
By Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer
Jermaine Johnson - reuters
That Jermaine Johnson was blessed with football gifts had never been in doubt. What has been in question is if the player has the hunger and the requisite discipline to make the most of his God-given talents.
When he became the first home-grown player to sign directly for the English Premiership in August 2001 by joining countryman Ricardo Gardner at Bolton Wanderers, many thought that the stage was set for Johnson to display his talents to the world. Everything appeared headed in that direction when Johnson received rave reviews following his debut against Arsenal where he had the likes of Patrick Vieira looking ordinary.
It would not last, however, and in less than two years he was on his way out, first on loan to Division Three side Yeovil, then another loan move to Oldham Athletic, which was later made permanent.
Even while he was at Bolton Wanderers whispers were heard about the player's attitude and soon he ended up back in Jamaica with Tivoli Gardens. He stayed there for a season and just when it was thought that the country was about to lose another talented player from the professional ranks, he was picked up in July by League One team Bradford City.
"I feel really blessed to get this next opportunity and now it is up to me to work really hard and show them that I can produce. I promise you I will not waste this one," the 26-year-old midfielder toldStar Sports.
Even at times when many thought that he was now on the professional scrap heap, Johnson said he never gave up hope.
"I knew I would get a second chance and I had the confidence to make the best of it when it came, but I did not know when it would come. What I did was just to keep playing my football. It has come now and I am trying to make the best of it," he added.
Making the best of the opportunity appears to be what Johnson is doing as he has recorded a number of man-of-the-match performances which had the fans urging management to tie him down to a proper contract so he would not walk away for a better offer at the end of the season for free.
Management heeded the call.
"I signed a one-year contract extension but I think some teams are expressing an interest in me so we will see what happens in January. The only one I know about right now is Stoke City," Johnson said of the club, which is home to national captain Ricardo Fuller.
Happy 'baller <SMALL>
Bradford may be a far cry from the Premiership but Johnson has never been happier.
"I am really happy now playing for Bradford. I am playing really well at the moment, the other players look up to me and the fans really like me so it is good and I am enjoying my time.
"They look to me to do a good job for them and I am doing my best and I am really, really comfortable here," Johnson said of his Bradford experience.
Known for his mesmerising dribbles which can excite and frustrate, Johnson said the Bradford experience is improving him as a player which will help him to cement his place in the national team.
"The training is really good and it is helping me to balance out my game. In training
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