In 1981, David Johnson won the European Cup and three league championships with Liverpool.
Former England striker David Johnson, the first player to score in the Merseyside derby for both Liverpool and Everton, passed away at the age of 71.
Johnson, who made eight appearances for England and scored six goals, suffered throat cancer.
He played for Ipswich Town under Bobby Robson and Liverpool under Bob Paisley before spending two seasons at Everton.
Johnson won three league championships and the 1981 European Cup during his six years at Anfield starting in 1976.
The first to pay tribute to his old teammate was ex-Liverpool forward David Fairclough, who said on Twitter: “So sorry to hear my wonderful buddy and Liverpool icon David Johnson died away today.
‘Jono’ and I had so many wonderful experiences together. It’s a terribly sad day today. Regards to Dave’s entire family. ‘Doc’, rest in peace.
David “Doc” Johnson, 71, passed away unexpectedly, according to a statement released by Everton, which said: “Everyone at Everton football club is devastated to learn of the untimely departure of David ‘Doc’ Johnson. At this time, our sympathies are with David’s family and friends.
Johnson started his career at Goodison Park, where he scored in the Merseyside derby in 1971. Nine years later, Johnson scored for Liverpool in the same game. The accomplishment has only been repeated since by Peter Beardsley.
He relocated to Ipswich in 1972, where he helped Robson’s team win the 1973 Texaco Cup, an event for club teams in England, Scotland, and Ireland, and get to the Uefa Cup quarterfinals the following year.
Liverpool-born In a 2-2 draw with Wales at Wembley in 1975, Johnson earned his debut for England under Don Revie.
However, he had the most success with Liverpool, as he amassed 78 goals in 213 games after signing for a club-record £200,000 in 1976.
Johnson began the 1981 European Cup final match against Real Madrid, but as Ian Rush made a name for himself the following year, Johnson was forced to sit on the sidelines. In August 1982, Johnson re-signed with Everton.
He joined Barnsley in 1984 and went on to play for Manchester City, Tulsa Roughnecks of the United States, Preston North End, and Barrow before retiring in 1986.
