Not too pleased about this to be honest. Ricki better know what he's doing.
I felt the same way, to be honest, when we signed Greenacre and IFILL. I've never heard of them and feared it would be a fiasco.
I think Ricky & co. definitely know what they're doing. At the end of the day signing new players is always a gamble. Someone may not function well in a new environment, new team etc.
If these guys have been offered contracts they're definitely up to standard. And any "diminutive midfielder" will always give me a woody. Love short players!
VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life
Permalink
Permalink
Is this him?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHYkTUswSzA
He looks very attack minded and not afraid to score some goals
Yes Pleasehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHYkTUswSzA
He looks very attack minded and not afraid to score some goals
Permalink
Permalink
Johnson looks no mug, that is the level that A-League clubs have to recruit because of wages generally.
Interesting that he looks like someone who can operate both wide and through the middle, looks like he is a direct replacement for caceres positionally and you would expect him to compete with Leo and Ifill for those wide attacking positions.
He looks pretty ghetto!
So looking "ghetto" means good?
Permalink
Permalink
Johnson looks no mug, that is the level that A-League clubs have to recruit because of wages generally.
Interesting that he looks like someone who can operate both wide and through the middle, looks like he is a direct replacement for caceres positionally and you would expect him to compete with Leo and Ifill for those wide attacking positions.
He looks pretty ghetto!
So looking "ghetto" means good?
Means he'll steal your shoes
I like tautologies because I like them.
Permalink
Permalink
I don't think that word is really in good taste when talking about a black guy born in the States. It would be like picking up an Israeli defender and referring to them as "tight".
Ramming liberal dribble down your throat since 2009
This forum needs less angst and more Kate Bush threads
Permalink
Permalink
I don't think that word is really in good taste when talking about a black guy born in the States. It would be like picking up an Israeli defender and referring to them as "tight".
Or a Scottish player and calling him a pasty fat stabaholic
I like tautologies because I like them.
Permalink
Permalink
I guess we need another black guy to replace Dadi
These rumors don't exactly fill me with confidence, though.
I felt the same way, to be honest, when we signed Greenacre and IFILL. I've never heard of them and feared it would be a fiasco.
I think Ricky & co. definitely know what they're doing. At the end of the day signing new players is always a gamble. Someone may not function well in a new environment, new team etc.
What? Greenacre and Ifill especially came from good, solid clubs and had very good records. They were no-risk signings, really, except for injury worries.valeo2010-07-20 10:24:08
These rumors don't exactly fill me with confidence, though.
Not too pleased about this to be honest. Ricki better know what he's doing.
I felt the same way, to be honest, when we signed Greenacre and IFILL. I've never heard of them and feared it would be a fiasco.
I think Ricky & co. definitely know what they're doing. At the end of the day signing new players is always a gamble. Someone may not function well in a new environment, new team etc.
�
If these guys have been offered contracts they're definitely up to standard. And any "diminutive midfielder" will always give me a woody. Love short players!
What? Greenacre and Ifill especially came from good, solid clubs and had very good records. They were no-risk signings, really, except for injury worries.valeo2010-07-20 10:24:08
a.haak

Permalink
Permalink
Roberto Oscar Cornejo
Wibblebutt2010-07-20 10:28:53

Nickname 'Toto'
Played for many clubs in South America.. seems to be rather a journeyman.
That's all I know.
Permalink
Permalink
Incidentally looks to me like a cut price Ifill, back up for the great man.
[/QUOTE]
Looking at that vid I can see what you mean - looks like a younger Ifill with probably not as much consistent talent.
The thing that worries me is that he doesn't seem to score much and if we aren't going to sign another striker that is important + he has been on loan to a League 2 club as of late
[QUOTE=Wibblebutt] Roberto Oscar Cornejo
]
[/QUOTE]
Looking at that vid I can see what you mean - looks like a younger Ifill with probably not as much consistent talent.
The thing that worries me is that he doesn't seem to score much and if we aren't going to sign another striker that is important + he has been on loan to a League 2 club as of late
[QUOTE=Wibblebutt] Roberto Oscar Cornejo
�

�
Nickname 'Toto'
]
I guess we're trying our hand at the South American lottery againvaleo2010-07-20 10:37:50
a.haak

Permalink
Permalink
Article I found on ESPN about Johnson's last season
Ending on a down note
What a roller-coaster season, too, for MK Dons winger Jemal Johnson.
Unlike Dempsey, it didn't end well.
One minute he was riding the bench; the next he was man of the match. Then when crunch time arrived Johnson was cast aside by manager Roberto Di Matteo, reportedly because he didn't extend his contract.
Johnson refused to discuss specifics of the contract saga, though said he was "surprised" when the team released him last week.
"In this day and age, you can't expect people to be 100 percent behind you," the 24-year-old said in a telephone interview. "It's just one of those things."
Daniel Hambury/Empics
Jemal Johnson: The former MK Dons winger is a free agent.
Johnson, groomed by Blackburn, made two league starts the first three months of the season for the Dons, whose ambitions outweigh the third tier. The club chairman is music mogul Pete Winkelman, and glossy stadium:mk looks out of place in League One. (The Dons are essentially Wimbledon reincarnated.)
Johnson became a mainstay in November as the Dons began to lift off, pinning down the second and final automatic promotion spot most of the ensuing three months. Highlights included notching three assists in a 3-1 win over division giants Leeds United on Dec. 20 and scoring twice in a 5-3 victory at Cheltenham a month later. His 30-yard strike against Cheltenham was voted the Dons' goal of the season.
"Jemal was very popular with the fans because he was one of those players that had tremendous pace, and he had a very good shot," said Roger Widdecombe, a member of the MK Dons Supporters Association, over the phone.
Cue the roadblock.
From early March to the end of the season, Johnson made just three more starts. Much to the chagrin of many Dons fans, he wasn't even included in the squad for the two-leg playoff versus Sc**thorpe United. Sc**thorpe advanced to the playoff final at Wembley -- eventually going up -- following a 7-6 win on penalties.
Out went back-to-back promotions.
"Coming to the end of the season, the last few vital games, I think there were games if Jemal did get on, he may have made the difference," Widdecombe said. "When you've got quality players like Jemal, often they can make the difference. In the playoffs, it definitely would've been nice to see him. I think most of the regular fans that go to games are sad and disappointed he's not with us still."
Johnson finished in the top 10 in league assists, despite the irregular playing time.
"When I was on the field, I feel I did really well," Johnson said. "At the beginning of the season I was out for a good few months; I wasn't getting picked, wasn't travelling. Personally I feel it was a little unfair, but I can't do anything about that now."
Indeed, Johnson is thinking ahead. Observers suggest he's Championship caliber at least.
Born in Paterson, N.J., he still harbors hopes of suiting up for the U.S. national team. Much of his family lives in New Jersey.
"As I'm getting older, I would've thought I'd have had some kind of involvement," he said. "It would be a great experience for me, on the football side of things, also for my family, for them to see me play. It would be great exposure for me."
Landing in the Championship would help his cause.
What a roller-coaster season, too, for MK Dons winger Jemal Johnson.
Unlike Dempsey, it didn't end well.
One minute he was riding the bench; the next he was man of the match. Then when crunch time arrived Johnson was cast aside by manager Roberto Di Matteo, reportedly because he didn't extend his contract.
Johnson refused to discuss specifics of the contract saga, though said he was "surprised" when the team released him last week.
"In this day and age, you can't expect people to be 100 percent behind you," the 24-year-old said in a telephone interview. "It's just one of those things."
Daniel Hambury/Empics
Jemal Johnson: The former MK Dons winger is a free agent.
Johnson, groomed by Blackburn, made two league starts the first three months of the season for the Dons, whose ambitions outweigh the third tier. The club chairman is music mogul Pete Winkelman, and glossy stadium:mk looks out of place in League One. (The Dons are essentially Wimbledon reincarnated.)
Johnson became a mainstay in November as the Dons began to lift off, pinning down the second and final automatic promotion spot most of the ensuing three months. Highlights included notching three assists in a 3-1 win over division giants Leeds United on Dec. 20 and scoring twice in a 5-3 victory at Cheltenham a month later. His 30-yard strike against Cheltenham was voted the Dons' goal of the season.
"Jemal was very popular with the fans because he was one of those players that had tremendous pace, and he had a very good shot," said Roger Widdecombe, a member of the MK Dons Supporters Association, over the phone.
Cue the roadblock.
From early March to the end of the season, Johnson made just three more starts. Much to the chagrin of many Dons fans, he wasn't even included in the squad for the two-leg playoff versus Sc**thorpe United. Sc**thorpe advanced to the playoff final at Wembley -- eventually going up -- following a 7-6 win on penalties.
Out went back-to-back promotions.
"Coming to the end of the season, the last few vital games, I think there were games if Jemal did get on, he may have made the difference," Widdecombe said. "When you've got quality players like Jemal, often they can make the difference. In the playoffs, it definitely would've been nice to see him. I think most of the regular fans that go to games are sad and disappointed he's not with us still."
Johnson finished in the top 10 in league assists, despite the irregular playing time.
"When I was on the field, I feel I did really well," Johnson said. "At the beginning of the season I was out for a good few months; I wasn't getting picked, wasn't travelling. Personally I feel it was a little unfair, but I can't do anything about that now."
Indeed, Johnson is thinking ahead. Observers suggest he's Championship caliber at least.
Born in Paterson, N.J., he still harbors hopes of suiting up for the U.S. national team. Much of his family lives in New Jersey.
"As I'm getting older, I would've thought I'd have had some kind of involvement," he said. "It would be a great experience for me, on the football side of things, also for my family, for them to see me play. It would be great exposure for me."
Landing in the Championship would help his cause.
a.haak

Permalink
Permalink
Dunno about Johnson, I can remember him not being very good for Rovers, but that was in the EPL, and a few yrs ago now. He was rated by those that watched the youth games, so hopefully, if he comes, he will be a good signing.
Permalink
Permalink
Looking at that vid I can see what you mean - looks like a younger Ifill with probably not as much consistent talent.
The thing that worries me is that he doesn't seem to score much and if we aren't going to sign another striker that is important + he has been on loan to a League 2 club as of late
But you'd hardly say Ifill was prolific in England either.
Think Johnson would be a good signing - he's had experience at the higher levels of the game, seems to have a bit of pace and a good shot on him, and is still young enough to have lots of fire in the belly. Hope he takes up the offer.
The other guy I'm not so sure about - the more I find out about him, the less inspired I get.el grapadura2010-07-20 18:58:33
Permalink
Permalink
But you'd hardly say Ifill was prolific in England either.
Think Johnson would be a good signing - he's had experience at the higher levels of the game, seems to have a bit of pace and a good shot on him, and is still young to have lots of fire in the belly. Hope he takes up the offer.
The other guy I'm not so sure about - the more I find out about him, the less inspired I get.
Think Johnson would be a good signing - he's had experience at the higher levels of the game, seems to have a bit of pace and a good shot on him, and is still young to have lots of fire in the belly. Hope he takes up the offer.
The other guy I'm not so sure about - the more I find out about him, the less inspired I get.
Agreed.
We couldn't sign both of them anyway could we? We already have 3 foreigners - Ifill, Greenacre and Diego so that leaves only one spot.. or is it 5 we're allowed?
EDIT: It's 5.
Wibblebutt2010-07-20 12:25:18
Permalink
Permalink
Johnson: 148 games over 7 seasons for several different clubs, producing 20 goals. He began in the EPL as an 18 year old and most recently played on loan at Stockport in League 2.
Career going in wrong direction for some time. Not to say he couldnt do ok for Phoenix, but certainly doesnt look like we'll be uncovering another Ifill.
If he is a winger, that goals record could be tolerable (it must be better than Bertos!), not if he is a striker.
Permalink
Permalink
I'll be stoked if we sign the three mentioned in the 442 article (the argie, the yank and North), I think people are forgetting that we already have a really good platform so we have a bit of room to move if players turn out to be crap (ala Diego/Pieman/Ferrante/Mulligan etc.)
Permalink
Permalink
Johnson: 148 games over 7 seasons for several different clubs, producing 20 goals. He began in the EPL as an 18 year old and most recently played on loan at Stockport in League 2.
Career going in wrong direction for some time. Not to say he couldnt do ok for Phoenix, but certainly doesnt look like we'll be uncovering another Ifill.
If he is a winger, that goals record could be tolerable (it must be better than Bertos!), not if he is a striker.
Hmmm, the transfer market can be like the stock market - just because a stock price is currently low and trending downwards, doesn't mean the potential isn't there to make a killing, especially if the stock has rated highly before. Given he started in the EPL and is still fairly young - I'd say there is plenty of potential there (more so than Ifill), and I bet he is going to come cheap.
And unlike buying company stock, if Ricki made the risk he would play a huge part in bringing the best out of the player - something I think we can all agree that Ricki is actually pretty good at. Good signing if we get him I reckon.
djtim30002010-07-20 15:05:03
Permalink
Permalink
We all know this of course, but Smeltz's stocks weren't high at all before Ricki signed him - but once he got into the A-League he dominated goal scoring charts every season. Not every purchase will be a Smeltz or an Ifill, but if you don't chance your hand you won't strike gold on the cheap.
Permalink
Permalink
Yeah the more i watch of him the more i cant decide. he would definietly do well for us. If you played a front three with him and ifill wider i could definetly see him dominating. Didnt seem to pass much but i guess they were only highlights. Quick and deadly with a real intent to attack. With him and ifill swapping itd be nightmares for defenders.
Permalink
Permalink
Ive been looking for this Toto Cornejo guy, he most i found is a spanish interview so far:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qq_tNwo5tvs
Plus this is his team and he clebrates when the goal is scored but not sure if he was the one who played the dinky ball over the top or not?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_dhMDQn6mo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qq_tNwo5tvs
Plus this is his team and he clebrates when the goal is scored but not sure if he was the one who played the dinky ball over the top or not?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_dhMDQn6mo
Permalink
Permalink
Johnson: 148 games over 7 seasons for several different clubs, producing 20 goals. He began in the EPL as an 18 year old and most recently played on loan at Stockport in League 2.
Career going in wrong direction for some time. Not to say he couldnt do ok for Phoenix, but certainly doesnt look like we'll be uncovering another Ifill.
If he is a winger, that goals record could be tolerable (it must be better than Bertos!), not if he is a striker.
Pretty sure he started out as a striker for Rovers, but seems to been pushed out wider since leaving. His pace would be an asset for us.
Permalink
Permalink
If he is fast, has some flair and has a good touch, that is better than 97% of the current squad.
The Nix are a gutsy, usually well-organised bunch, but they are hardly blessed with these attributes.
I like tautologies because I like them.
Permalink
Permalink
Let's remember that the quotes are from Smeltzy's 'agent'... grain of salt anyone ?
That grain is the most we have had to go on for a wee while!
I also see that a newspaper report on a MK Don's pre-season game published earlier today says:
"Noticeable by their absence from both games were Jemal Johnson and Jude Stirling - both of whom were sent out on loan at the end of last season."
That - to me anyway - seems to indicate that Jemal Johnson is on his way out of MK Donland.
Permalink
Permalink
This topic is locked.


