'I keep the Shed End in my loft', says Birmingham's very own Chelsea fan Roger Johnson

25 December 2009 22:25
There is a chunk of concrete in Roger Johnson's loft that is forever Chelsea. Actually, it is a piece of Chelsea FC. It's from the Shed End.[LNB]Birmingham defender Johnson, then 11 years old, swiped a souvenir from the final match against Sheffield United in 1994 before the terracing was bulldozed to make way for the stadium that now sits on the same site.[LNB]'I'm a big Chelsea fan,' he said. 'I had a season ticket for 10 years. But I wasn't a glory-hunter. I remember when it was a slog.[LNB]'David Lee, Jason Cundy and Ken Monkou were from my era. Back in the day, I was hard-core.[LNB]'Myself and my two older brothers used to sit in the family stand. But when it came to the last game with the Shed, the fans were smashing up the steps to take souvenirs.I just grabbed a piece.'[LNB] Forever blue: Johnson has swapped his allegiance to City[LNB]Johnson, 26, has quickly established himself as a cult hero at St Andrew's after manager Alex McLeish bought him for £5million from Cardiff last summer.[LNB]He is one of a kind. Written off when he was a youngster by Tony Adams at Wycombe Wanderers, the defender has stuck to his dream and now it has become a reality.He refuses to speak about Adams. He probably feels the point has been made.But he's certainly something of a character.[LNB]He bought a Bentley as a present to himself upon reaching the Premier League. He was nicknamed 'Shyness' by his St Andrew's team-mates as an ironic nod to his loud behaviour in the dressing-room.[LNB]And he was chuffed to pieces when Everton's Tim Cahill asked for his shirt last week at Goodison Park.[LNB]'I've played in 350-odd games now so I have done a shift in the lower leagues,' he said.[LNB]'It is the best way and I am pleased with the way I have done it. Obviously, if you can start at the top and stay there, that is great. But I have learnt my trade in the lower leagues and got as far as I can.[LNB]'I used to watch the Premier League on television. Now I'm part of it and I'm really pleased about that. I thought I could play at this level and just needed a chance. I don't think I've let down the gaffer yet.'[LNB]McLeish could not be happier with Johnson's contribution so far.[LNB]'He has earned this crack at the Premier League,' he said. 'So far, he's passing the test. He wants it badly. He has a great character about him.[LNB]'He believes in himself as well. There's good banter among the players and he's at the heart of that.[LNB]'Barry Ferguson has taken him under his wing. He may need a minder but wee Barry has got Roger making him cups of tea on the away trips. Good to see, that, a bit of respect for the Scottish lads.[LNB]'Seriously, Roger has been inspirational. He has been a rock at the heart of our team. I trust him.[LNB]'He's a throwback to the Terry Butchers, the Dave Watsons and, dare I say it, the John Terrys of this world.'[LNB] The rock: Johnson and Scott Dann have formed a formidable partnership at the heart of Birmingham's rearguard[LNB]As for the fad of not celebrating against former teams and those players supported as boys, Birmingham fans should relax. It sounds like Johnson could be in the stand celebrating alongside them.[LNB]'I'm desperate for my first goal,' he said. 'My older brothers, Stuart and Richard, will be in the away end. I've already warned them that it could happen.[LNB]'But as for not celebrating... not celebrating my first Premier League goal against Chelsea? Just watch me.'[LNB] Alex McLeish: 'Fergie put a stop to my move south... 25 years later, I'm so glad he did'The rise and rise of Birmingham City: As good as it gets for fans weaned on the BluesMcLeish to be offered new deal after steering Birmingham towards EuropeBIRMINGHAM CITY FC

Source: Daily_Mail