AFC Croydon Athletic host Bromley to contest the JJ Johnson Memorial Trophy

AFC Croydon Athletic will welcome back Neil Smith next Monday to honour the late JJ Johnson.

The Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division side will welcome Smith’s Bromley to Mayfield Stadium to contest the JJ Johnson Memorial Trophy.

“On Monday night we welcome everyone to a game and evening in hour of a great friend and non-league legend JJ Johnson,” said Rams manager Kevin Rayner, whose club hold the silverware.

“A special thanks to Neil Smith and (chairman) Jerry Dolke and all at Bromley to committing to this fixture in their busy schedule.

“Neil has shown fantastic commitment and we will always respect him and Bromley for the efforts shown to our club and JJ by playing on Monday night.

“Neil actually cut his managerial teeth at Croydon Athletic and had the pleasure of working with JJ for a number of years, prior to moving onto his current successful role.

“We have a number of our current playing staff that had the privilege of knowing and working with JJ for many years.

“He was a real non-league guru and loved to give his opinion of a game whether good or bad.  He is sadly missed but respected by everyone at the club and all that had worked with him.”

The Johnson family will be in attendance to present the winning trophy and kick-off at Mayfield Stadium next Monday 20 August is at 19:45. Admission prices have been set at £5 (adults), £3 (concessions), while under 16’s go free.

Smith led his home-town club to a Wembley Final, losing on penalties to Brackley Town in The FA Trophy Final and to the clubs highest ever finish in the National League when the Ravens finished in ninth-place.

Visit AFC Croydon Athletic’s website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/afccroydonathletic