Farewell to a former Hamlet stalwart

The President of Southern Counties East League club AFC Croydon Athletic, Johnny Johnson, has just passed away, at the age of eighty.

'J.J', as he was known to all in non-league circles, was widely respected and was involved at Champion Hill for many years in the Eighties & Nineties, with his roles including Reserve Team Manager, as well as First Team Coach during the Frank Murphy era.

The following was part of a statement issued on the official AFC Croydon Athletic website:

"He had been in football all his life and it meant so much to him. In a career that lasted more than 60 years he had been a player, coach, manager, kit man, Director and most recently, President. During his career he had spent time at, amongst others, Barking, Enfield, Dulwich Hamlet, Corinthian-Casuals and Croydon Athletic before bringing his wealth of experience to AFC Croydon Athletic. When not watching football he was talking about football; when not talking about The Rams it was his other team, Arsenal that occupied his thoughts."

On behalf of all at the Club we extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends. All of their teams will observe a minute's silence before their forthcoming matches in his memory, adding that details of his funeral will be posted in accordance with his family’s wishes in due course.

Everyone associated with Dulwich Hamlet Football Club offer their sincerest and deepest sympathies to his family, his Football Club and all who knew him in the wider circle of non-league football.