He moved to Spain with Real Murcia before returning to England, spending time on trial with Rochdale before having a brief spell with Harrogate Town, making his debut against Histon, before being released.

[4] In March 2013, Johnson joined Guisborough Town having impressed manager Chris Hardy and scored six goals in nine league appearances at the end of the 2012–13 season.

He started the following year in impressive form, scoring six goals in a pre-season friendly against local side Redcar Athletic and added his first competitive hat-trick soon after in a 3–3 draw with Jarrow Roofing in the qualifying rounds of the FA Cup.

[8] Following his return to professional football, Guisborough manager Chris Hardy commented ""He is an out-and-out goal scorer and more mature now than when he was in the pro game before""[4] After spending the opening months of the season in the sides development squad, Johnson signed for Football League Two side Tranmere Rovers on an initial one-month loan deal in October 2014.

[13] Following his release, Johnson spent time on trial with League Two side York City, appearing in pre-season friendly matches against Leeds United and Middlesbrough.

[15] He made his debut for the club on the opening day of the 2015–16 season, starting in a 2–1 win over Aldershot Town before being replaced by Ryan Bowman after 61 minutes.

[20] He started the season well, scoring goals in high-profile matches, including against one against Rangers,[21] a double in a 3–0 victory against Aberdeen,[22] and a late equaliser in a 1–1 draw with Celtic.

[33] On 10 June 2021, Johnson was announced to have agreed a two-year deal to join Mansfield Town having rejected the offer of a new contract at Orient.

[39] On 4 March, he scored his first goal since his recall in a 3–1 victory over AFC Wimbledon,[40] celebrating by pretending to tie the laces on his boot in front of the travelling fans.

[45] In September 2015, Johnson was called up to an England C training camp being held at Warwick University but was forced to withdraw due to injury.