|
Massively talented winger with great pace and a decent shot too.
He made major contributions to Leeds' climb out of the Second Division
under Don Revie and became the first black player to appear in a
Wembley FA Cup Final when Leeds faced Liverpool in 1965. He was an
obvious target for racist abuse from the opposition fans and players,
and he sometimes went missing from the game - but his lack of
confidence was usually down to some over-robust challenges from the
opposition rather than comment from the terraces. Injuries plagued his
later years at Leeds, and with the emergence of the (equally
injury-prone) Eddie Gray, Albert was edged out and moved on to York
before retiring from the game. In later years he developed an alcohol
problem, and although he made several recoveries and received support
from fans and former colleagues he died in 1995.
d.r.a.newbould says: I saw Albert play when I was a student at York
at the end of the 1960s, early 1970s.
Ian Johnson says: Every time he got the ball we all shouted "come
on Albert". I don't recall any particular incident in a match but he
was very nippy and could beat a defender with his turns and speed. I
am glad to read that he had help from the club and supporters in his
dark days and only sorry it turned out so sadly.
David Edge says: My Father gave me strong memories of Albert
Johanneson by talking about him and John Charles all the time. I wish
I had been there...
Dennis G says: racism killed Albert..........wake up. Millwall fan
(black) who understands.... Long live tuth.
Sean Vaughan says: Albert was my first fotball hero.I saw him play
in 1964 when Leeds returned to the first division.The barracking of
black players was awful through to the nineties.It must never be
allowed to happen again. He would have been a real superstar tday when
quality players are much more protected from the aggressive
players. Wingers like Albert and later Eddie Gray were literally
kicked off the pitch.
Paul Eubanks says: As a seven year old black Leeds fan in 1965, my
father took me to Elland Road to watch Leeds, hence that was where I
watched Albert for the first time. He was amazing. As an adult I've
read so many books about Leeds players and the club and it's
incredible to read about his skill and ability. Unfortunately he hit
the bottle, but lets remember the skill he had and how he shone, when
it is documented that he brought the fans back to Elland Road in the
early 60's. I have an exhibition commemorating Albert's historical
career. If anyone would like their thoughts and comments added about
Albert exhibited in the exhibition please send them with your name and
the city/town where you live to albert.legend@ntlworld.com I'll then
inform you the next time the exhibition is on display.If Albert was
playing today he would be priceless.
Brian Robson says: I attended my first match i t was probably 1964
and it was Sunderland v Leeds i can remember seeing a black player it
was probably Albert, and i was appalled to here the abuse from the
Sunderland fans, here we are 40 years later and as a Newcastle fan
with Boyer and Woodgate in our Ranks we still have racism to contend
with.
Stewart McCartney says: Albert was one of my childhood heroes, as I
stood at the corner of the Bootham End with my mate Phil. When my mum
bought me a subutteo team in Maroon in 1972 for Christmas, I
immmediately painted the number 11 black in his honour. God rest his
spirited and loving soul.
Paul Rowson says: As a huge Leeds fan from 1958 on I was sad to see
Albert drinking alone - although looking quite smart in a brown suit-
in the Mexborough (now the Three Hullits) in Chapel Allerton. I
remember him scoring agsinst Newcastle at the Scratching Shed end
after beating three players in a very muddy penalty box. I my Youth I
had no idea what he had to overcome in terms of culture and racism and
only later realised how good he was
Sophie Bourne says: Albert Johanneson was an outstanding player. He
was shot down by rascism. that led him to drink which killed him. he
died pennyless whereas if you look at the footballers of today all
they have to do is kick a ball and they have thousands of pounds in
their pockets. Rascism should be kicked out of football forever!
Jamie Wright says: i'm doing a project on albert johanneson and i
am amazed to see he's one of the best players i've ever seen
Tony Chabot says: In my final two years at primary school ('61-63)
I used to get free tickets for Leeds United home games from my
headmaster, Michael Healey; he was, I believe, coach for Leeds United
Juniors. The strongest memory I have is of Albert Johanneson charging
down the wing. To a 10-year-old viewing from below pitch height the
sight of such a large man steaming along at high speed was tremendous,
but it was the sound that was most memorable: the pounding of feet and
the explosive expiration of breath. Magnificent!
Robert Angelini says: Albert Johanneson's nephew Carl Johanneson
(15-1, 8KOs) will be boxing in Wembley Arena,London (vs Carl Greaves
of Nottinghamon) March 20th, 2004. Carl was inpired to box by Albert
and professeses Albert as his driving force. Support Carl if you can
on 20 March in London.
Robert Angelini says: Carl Johanneson improved his record to 16-1,
9KOs after defeating WBF Super-Feather Carl Greaves at Wembley Arena,
London on March 20th, 2004. Thanks for supporting Albert's nephew Carl
in his endeavors. I'm sure Albert would have been proud. I now we are
in the USA and in Carl's hometown...LEEDS!
John Durkin says: i am Carl Johannesons' manager and would like to
thank everyone for their support for carl in his quest for world
championship glory. Carl always talks about his uncle and the positive
effect he had on him, Please do not forget the Albert Johanneson
legacy and lets improve race relations in sport
Twiggster says: My memories are of a streak of black lightening
flying around the pitch at E.R. in the 60's....we Leeds fans threw him
bananas from the Shed, but we didn't KNOW it was racist back then, as
blacks were far and few between - and even less in football. We
thought he liked them, in our ignorance. He would duly pick them up
and bring them to the dugout. My last memory of him was that he was
lying injured on the pitch, as Eddie Gray danced around 7 Burnley
defenders AND Albert, to score the best goal I ever saw at E.R. If
racism wins, football is the loser.
|
