Wagga City Wanderers coach Ross Morgan has continued to tap the Riverina’s expat soccer community with the signing of former North West Counties League defender Danny Johnson.
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The 29-year-old Englishman boasts an impressive record with Hanwood FC since migrating from the UK to Griffith in 2011 and represented semi-professional Lancashire outfit Nelson FC in his early twenties.
Now, Johnson is set to fill the centre back vacancy at Gissing Oval.
“I’ve just got the sign the papers but I’ve been doing a little bit of training already and I’m keen to give it a go,” Johnson said.
“I think Ross (Morgan) is a really good guy and I think what he’s trying to do with the Wanderers, so I found the whole thing pretty appealing.”
Johnson admitted to a noticeable shift in quality upon his arrival in the Riverina and is eager to test himself at a higher level.
“I was playing semi-professionally with Nelson and the standard did drop off a bit when I moved to Griffith … so I’m hoping to push myself, definitely.”
“I’ve played with Hanwood ever since I arrived and I have a wife and two kids here, but (playing Wanderers) is something I’d like to be a part of.
“(Riverina) Rhinos never asked me to play and when Ross came over and asked me to come down, I got interested and I think he’s building something exciting.
“There’s some good players in the squad from what I can tell and I reckon it’ll be a very good side.”
Noted by Morgan for his physicality, Johnson will be tasked with shoring up Wanderers’ leaky defence in their debut NPL season.
“I’ll just play how Ross wants the team to play, to be honest,” Johnson said.
“If I can help take some goals away for us then that’s a bonus.
“It’s just an exciting time for Wagga football and I think it’ll be great for the team to play in Canberra.”
Morgan is anticipating Johnson will pursue a dual registration with Hanwood FC and Wagga City Wanderers.
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