Michael Johnson

[dom9]

Really? I dont think so. He was in a position most on here would kill for. His job was basically to stay fit and healthy and play football. I think its only right that he gets pelters for not even managing that.

I completely disagree.

[Reece]

All contracts should contain a gluttony clause.

[Lee]

It's clear that something isn't right.

Then again it's a bit rich for some of the people in this thread to criticise him for eating and drinking too much.

Possibly.

Without knowing him it's hard to know whether I think he's a waster or whether he definitely needs help.

However re your last comment; nobody on this forum (as far as I'm aware) is a PL footballer with a £40k-per-week, five year contract.

[dom9]

Possibly.

Without knowing him it's hard to know whether I think he's a waster or whether he definitely needs help.

However re your last comment; nobody on this forum (as far as I'm aware) is a PL footballer with a £40k-per-week, five year contract.

Exactly.

Nobody here has a clue as to what the underlying issues may or may not be. So assumptions are made and he's a clearly an idiot who resorts to becoming a fat *******.

[Chazza]

Exactly.

Nobody here has a clue as to what the underlying issues may or may not be. So assumptions are made and he's a clearly an idiot who resorts to becoming a fat *******.

True but bowling around pissed in takeaways and sipping a number of Duval's by 1pm on a weekday is likely to drive people toward that conclusion.

Human nature I guess.

[dom9]

True but bowling around pissed in takeaways and sipping a number of Duval's by 1pm on a weekday is likely to drive people toward that conclusion.

Human nature I guess.

Indeed, which is why I'm making the counter point.

[Chazza]

Ah the voice of reason if you will.

[dom9]

Go on then.

For I Am The Killjoy!

[Neil Young]

True but bowling around pissed in takeaways and sipping a number of Duval's by 1pm on a weekday is likely to drive people toward that conclusion.

Human nature I guess.

Leave Lee out of this.

[Alex]

Exactly.

Nobody here has a clue as to what the underlying issues may or may not be. So assumptions are made and he's a clearly an idiot who resorts to becoming a fat *******.

Yes, but how many footballers exist that are similar size to him? None. He is out of shape by the looks of it. Fair enough if its an underlying medical condition. But as far as anyone knows its not. That's all we can go off. Players like Wayne Rooney clearly have trouble keeping the weight off. But he manages it. Look at someone like Neil Ruddock or Neville Southall. They managed to stay fit and in shape enough through their careers to play still. They may have relented now. But they clearly put some sort of effort in.

[Lee]

Exactly.

Nobody here has a clue as to what the underlying issues may or may not be. So assumptions are made and he's a clearly an idiot who resorts to becoming a fat *******.

Very true mate.

I just think it's difficult to have sympathy (from the outside) when you see someone so young, in such a priviledged position end up like this.

Football is such a short career and I'm sure a majority of people on this forum would lead completely different lifestyles if they were fortunate to be in Johnson's position. Heck, I'd give booze a miss if I was playing in League Two, let alone the PL.

I read a story recently about an exchange between Lee Sharpe and Gary Neville. Sharpe was always up for clubbing, boozing and birding and apparently Neville hated it. Ratboy was first into training, he would practise his throw-ins for hours and lead a pretty square lifestyle. Neville went on to play over 600 times for United and picked up 80+ England caps. Sharpe was washed-up by the time he was 25.

Johnson could well have plenty of issues (if he does then he has my sympathy and I hope he gets the help he needs), but from the outside looking in it's difficult to think of him as anything other than a fat waster.

I'm not having a go at you at all Dom, it's just my point of view.

[Lee]

Leave Lee out of this.

[Neil Young]

I'm sorry Lee but I just think it's difficult to have sympathy (from the outside) when you see someone so young, in such a priviledged position end up like you.

I'm not having a go at you at all Lee, it's just an intervention.

[Neil Young]

It's a fair point about Johnson. Anyone who puts away the booze like he seems to do to the point when it's ruined his career has, almost by definition, a problem with alcohol.

[dom9]

Yes, but how many footballers exist that are similar size to him? None. He is out of shape by the looks of it. Fair enough if its an underlying medical condition. But as far as anyone knows its not. That's all we can go off. Players like Wayne Rooney clearly have trouble keeping the weight off. But he manages it. Look at someone like Neil Ruddock or Neville Southall. They managed to stay fit and in shape enough through their careers to play still. They may have relented now. But they clearly put some sort of effort in.

Well, for a start, he's now an ex-footballer isn't he. So if you frame your question to ask 'how many former footballer are a similar size to him?', then that would be a less interesting, but more accurate question. And I've not got the figures unfortunately.

As I said, you don't know if he has underlying issues (mental? physical? none?) which could have led to this. But that doesn't matter. He just simply didn't put enough effort into it.

Very true mate.

I just think it's difficult to have sympathy (from the outside) when you see someone so young, in such a priviledged position end up like this.

Football is such a short career and I'm sure a majority of people on this forum would lead completely different lifestyles if they were fortunate to be in Johnson's position. Heck, I'd give booze a miss if I was playing in League Two, let alone the PL.

I read a story recently about an exchange between Lee Sharpe and Gary Neville. Sharpe was always up for clubbing, boozing and birding and apparently Neville hated it. Ratboy was first into training, he would practise his throw-ins for hours and lead a pretty square lifestyle. Neville went on to play over 600 times for United and picked up 80+ England caps. Sharpe was washed-up by the time he was 25.

Johnson could well have plenty of issues (if he does then he has my sympathy and I hope he gets the help he needs), but from the outside looking in it's difficult to think of him as anything other than a fat waster.

I'm not having a go at you at all Dom, it's just my point of view.

I have no idea what I'd have turned out like if I earned £40k per week in my early 20s and to have had to work for just 3 hours most days. I'm guessing it wouldn't have been pretty. Knowing me, I would have pissed it all away but I'm sure I would have had a load of fun doing it.