AFC Croydon Athletic appoint former Eagle Andrew Johnson as their director of football

BIG-SPENDING AFC Croydon Athletic have appointed Andrew Johnson as their new director of football.

Johnson, 43, who scored 85 goals in 161 appearances for Premier League neighbours Crystal Palace, has tonight joined the Combined Counties League Premier Division outfit.

“Since retiring in 2015, Andrew Johnson credits in part his post career success in business to smart financial decisions made during his time as a professional footballer,” said a club statement.

“He now hopes to use those collective experiences to assist in forging a path to success as director of football at AFC Croydon Athletic.

“Andrew’s no stranger to the beautiful game or the Croydon community.   With his background at Crystal Palace Football Club, he’s got a deep connection to the area and a passion for seeing local football thrive.  Now, he's bringing that same energy to AFC Croydon Athletic.”

Striker Johnson, who has eight England caps and has also played for Birmingham City,  Everton, Fulham and Queens Park Rangers, said in a statement: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of AFC Croydon Athletic and join the incredible team of changemakers at the club.

“Chairman Danny Young is a long-term friend of mine and when he told me about the things they are looking to do with the club and the community and asked if I would get involved, it was a straight yes from me.

“I’ve seen first hand the love for football in this community and I can’t wait to help take the club to the next level.”

The Rams’ statement added: “Andrew’s not just here to shake things up on the pitch – but he’s also got plans to give back to Croydon.  From local and global partnerships to continued growth of the club’s already successful academy, along with innovative educational development, he’s committed to making a positive impact both on and off the field.

“The club are preparing to begin teasing a full rebrand of the club and launch of its new online footprint, including website development, ecommerce and social content delivery, along with ensuring the ground is being future proofed.

“This will all be done in conversation with the current community of passionate fans while inviting others to become a part of the story.”

Chairman Young added: “We’re over the moon to have Andrew on board.  His experience and passion for the game are exactly what we need to drive AFC Croydon Athletic forward.”

The Rams are in seventh-place in the Combined Counties League Premier Division South table, having picked up 45 points (14 wins, three draws and six defeats) from their 23 games.

They are a couple of points adrift of fifth-placed side Alton and they host Tooting & Mitcham United to Mayfield Stadium on Tuesday, 20 February (19:45).

League leaders Farnham Town have won all of their 23 league games and are at the summit of the ninth-tier division.

Knaphill (54 points from 26 games), Jersey Bulls (50 points from 24 games), Abbey Rangers (48 points from 27 games) and Alton (47 points from 27 games) make up the play-off places.

Visit AFC Croydon Athletic’s website:  www.afccroydonathletic.co.uk