Bantams Sign Ex-Wanderer

By Mark Heys
June 5 2006

Jermaine Johnson made a surprise return to English football today when agreeing a one-year loan deal with League One side Bradford City.

The 25-year old made a late appearance as a substitute for Jamaica in their 6-0 defeat against England in a friendly at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon and ex-Wanderers manager Colin Todd has moved swiftly to add Johnson to the Valley Parade ranks.

Johnson first moved over to England five years ago when signing for Bolton and the initial signs where that the Wanderers had found themselves another gem from the Carribean island.

He severely tested the defence of Arsenal and Manchester United in his first few games for the Trotters but was unable to build on this early promise and was later sold to Oldham Athletic following a spell on loan there.

Again, his spell at Boundary Park began well but as with his spell at Bolton things didn't quite work out and in 2005 he made the move back over to his homeland to sign for former club Tivoli Gardens.

Now he hopes that it will be a case of third time lucky at Bradford where he will be playing alongside international team mate and former Bolton reserve goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts.

Speaking to the official Bradford City website, Johnson describes his experiences in the Premiership with the Wanderers as a highlight of his career and looks to the clubs shock results at Old Trafford and Highbury. However, his main aim in the present is to do well for his new team.

"Those are my best two games ever and it will be difficult to top that. But now I am back in England again I will put myself under pressure to play well for Bradford

Meanwhile, one time Bolton right back Neil Cox has signed a contract with Crewe Alexandra following his release from Cardiff City at the end of the last season.