Source: Team_Talk
Johnson aims to raise Wolves
Roger Johnson wants to put the heartbreak of being relegated behind him by helping Wolves to become established as a Premier League force.[LNB] The central defender ended his two-year spell at Birmingham by moving to Wolves for an undisclosed fee in a deal believed to be worth £6-7 million.[LNB]Johnson is sad and concerned at City's current plight with many of last season's squad having already left the club.[LNB]But his desire to remain in the top flight - and also play for a manager of a similar character as himself in Mick McCarthy - led to him moving across the midlands to Molineux.[LNB]Johnson, who has signed a four year deal, said: "The Carling Cup win was great, great for football, a day I'll never forget.[LNB]"But then again, getting relegated was another day I'll never forget. It was heartbreaking.[LNB]"No-one could believe what went on. There are problems there. Everyone has seen that. Everyone can see what is going on via what has been written.[LNB]"I'm not going to get into the financial side of what is happening at Birmingham. All I can say is, I wish them all the best.[LNB]"I made some great friends there. It was a difficult decision but I want to be in the Premier League, that's the end of it.[LNB]"Nothing against Birmingham, I had some great times there, the fans were great for me. I gave everything for the club so I hope they can appreciate that. But for me this feels right."[LNB]Johnson added: "I'm sure a few people will be disappointed I've not stuck it out but I'm 28 and I want to be in the Premier League for as long as I can.[LNB]"It's been a long road to get here and I don't want it to end."[LNB]When asked his targets at Wolves, Johnson said: "I'll keep some in-house but just to make sure this team stays in the league and finishes around mid-table and then kicks on."[LNB]Wolves boss Mick McCarthy described Johnson as "a leader" on the pitch after the pair were involved in a verbal touch-line bust-up in the game at St Andrew's last season.[LNB]McCarthy said: "We had a bit of sparring at St Andrew's. He did have words with me when I was trying to give the ball back to him and he thought I was trying to keep hold of it.[LNB]"We did exchange a few pleasantries! Whatever I liked about him before, I liked him even more then so fair dos.[LNB]"That's what I want, commanding players, players who demand things out of themselves and each other and you want vocal players on the pitch."[LNB]Johnson said: "I think we will get on. I'm sure we will have a few bust-ups! The manager was a key factor in me coming here.[LNB]"He has a desire to win and that's what I'm about and I think we will get on.[LNB]"We had a little bust-up at St. Andrew's but he said he enjoyed it and I'm sure there will be a few more!"[LNB]McCarthy tried to sign Johnson from Cardiff two years ago, as well as Scott Dann, who eventually moved from Coventry to become his defensive partner at Blues.[LNB]He said: "We've been trying to get a centre-back all summer and Roger was my first choice.[LNB]"It's been a long chase. Two years ago we had Roger on the hit list, and Scott Dann as well.[LNB]"But we had signed Kevin Doyle, and we'd done other things, and couldn't afford to do it then.[LNB]"Roger went to Birmingham, has been a huge success as was Dann, who was in my office but also moved to Birmingham."[LNB]McCarthy has been linked with West Ham defender Matthew Upson, who is a free agent, but is not anticipating any moves in that direction.[LNB]He said: "Would I like to bring Upson in? I've got Johnson here now and we've got Richard Stearman, Christophe Berra and Jody Craddock as well, so it's probably unlikely."
