Andrew Johnson, the former England and Palace striker, has been appointed as director of football at the non-league club bought by Stormzy and Wilf Zaha last summer.
Proven goal-scorer: Andrew Johnson in his Palace playing days
Croydon Athletic made the announcement on Sunday evening, saying that Johnson has “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”.
The announcement also hinted that the club might opt to buy (“future-proof”) their Mayfield Road Stadium in Thornton Heath from Croydon’s cash-strapped council.
Johnson’s appontment is the latest of a slew of changes at the club since global rap star Stormzy teamed up with former Palace player Zaha and Danny Young, a long-time member of the backroom team at Selhurst Park, to take over a club with a chequered history that currently plays in the ninth tier of English football.
The Stormzy consortium in Thornton Heath has already overseen significant changes, with Kevin Rayner, the team manager for seven years, being replaced in the autumn by 35-year-old novice coach Jermaine McGlashan.
Johnson’s arrival, according to the club, will see him play a role with the club’s academy, commercial partnerships, as well as branding and online presence.
Johnson said: “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.”
Croydon Athletic are currently seventh in the Combined Counties Football League Premier South Division, although they have three or four games in hand on rival clubs ahead of them in this year’s promotion race.
On board: Johnson with Athletic vice-chairman, and former Croydon councillor, Paul Smith
Johnson, 43, retired as a player in 2015, having been a proven goal-scorer at Birmingham, Everton, Fulham, QPR and in two spells at Crystal Palace, where he scored 74 goals in 140 appearances, helping to get the club promoted to the Premier League in 2005.
He won eight England caps between 2005 and 2007.
In their announcement, Athletic said of their new director of football: “Andrew Johnson credits in part his post-career success in business to smart financial decisions made during his time as a professional footballer. He now hopes to use those collective experiences to assist in forging a path to success… at AFC Croydon Athletic.
“Andrew’s not just here to shake things up on the pitch – he’s also got big 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.”
According to the club, they are preparing “to begin teasing a full rebrand of the club and launch of its new online footprint… along with ensuring the ground is being future-proofed”. As reported last year, the Mayfield Road Stadium is on a list of property assets which owners Croydon Council are seeking to sell.
Club chairman Danny Young said, “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.”
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