[3] Born in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Johnson progressed through the Stoke City youth system, before turning professional in May 1977.
[1] He was unable to affirm himself as a regular in the first team and,[2] after making 34 league appearances, he joined Shrewsbury Town in May 1981.
[1] After making 180 appearances and scoring three goals in the league for Shrewsbury,[1] he joined York City in July 1987 and was appointed as captain.
[2] He spent two seasons at the club, making 96 appearances and scoring one goal, before joining Football Conference team Macclesfield Town in 1989.
[2] He made 108 appearances and scored two goals in the league,[4] before joining Leek Town while working as Stoke's Community Development Officer.