Harry Johnston

Henry Johnston (26 September 1919 – 12 October 1973) was an English footballer. He was the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year in 1951. He spent his entire professional playing career with Blackpool, with whom he appeared in three FA Cup Finals, winning one. During his career, he appeared in all three half-back positions, and even moved up to centre forward when needed.

Club career Blackpool signed Manchester-born Johnston as a 15-year-old apprentice. Three years later, on 20 November 1937, he made his debut in a 2–0 defeat to arch-rivals Preston North End at Deepdale. Despite the result, Johnston was named Man of the Match. For the final game of the season, at home to West Bromwich Albion, he was moved to the forward line. He responded by scoring Blackpool's third goal in their 3–1 victory. By the following season, he was a regular in the Seasiders team.

After the war, during which he served in the Middle East, Johnston became the foundation on which the Blackpool team was built. Organised by the Blackpool Supporters Association, Blackpool fans around the world voted on their all-time heroes. Five players from each decade are inducted; Johnston is in the 1950s.

International career For a man of his stature, his international career was very short, with only ten appearances for England in a seven-year span. His appearances were limited due to the consistent performances of Billy Wright.

Johnston made his England debut on 27 November 1946, in an 8–2 friendly victory over the Netherlands at Leeds Road. His tenth and final international appearance occurred on 25 November 1953, in the 6–3 defeat by Hungary at Wembley.

Post-retirement In late 1955 Johnston became manager of Reading, with whom he spent seven seasons. He returned to Bloomfield Road in 1967 as assistant manager to Stan Mortensen, and when Morty was sacked late in the 1968–69 campaign, he took over as caretaker manager. In February 1970, he became assistant secretary, a role that meant he was in charge of the ticket office and editing the club's programme.

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1937–38 First Division

1938–39 First Division

1939–40 First Division

1946–47 First Division

1947–48 First Division

1948–49 First Division

1949–50 First Division

1950–51 First Division

1951–52 First Division

1952–53 First Division

1953–54 First Division

1954–55 First Division

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International

Managerial statistics + Managerial record by team and tenure runner-up: 1947–48, Lancashire FA Cup: 1953–54

England British Home Championship: 1946–47, 1953–54

Individual FWA Footballer of the Year: 1951