Sorry to read this. He was a genuinely excellent player - perhaps even a bit underrated. He scored a more-than-creditable six goals in eight games for England, and was a superb partner for Kenny Dalglish in Bob Paisley's formidable Liverpool side until Ian Rush emerged in the early 1980s.
He was past his best when we signed him on a short-term contract until the end of the season in 1983/84 (and had also got rid of his trademark 'tache), but did score a last-gasp winner as we came from behind to beat Cardiff at Maine Road. The place was under half full but went mad, as it was essential to win to keep our dwindling - and ultimately fruitless - promotion hopes alive.
He didn't do enough in his few appearances to earn a longer deal, and it's hard to argue that Billy McNeill got this decision wrong. Nonetheless, Johnson showed flashes even at City where the international class he'd once had shone through.
