Jermaine shoots for new contract
Great goal: Jermaine Johnson, celebrates with Jose Semedo, left, after equalising against Yeovil from 30 yards. Picture: Steve ellis
JERMAINE Johnson’s hot-shot form has strengthened his desire to earn a new Hillsborough contract.
The speedy winger who has hit three brilliant goals in the last five games is determined to do all he can to stay.
He had a spell out of the side and had manager Gary Megson demanding more consistency from him but the 31-year-old has bounced back in style and is enjoying life as he prepares to face Blackpool in tonight’s FA Cup replay.
“I’m really pleased with the way I’m playing,” he said.
“I just need to keep playing the same way and get more goals for the team. My training is going really well; I feel much fitter than before.
“The gaffer has given me more chances, more confidence, and it has helped me play much better.”
Johnson says he has absorbed the message from Megson that he must attend to his workrate and to his defensive responsibilities at certain times in a game. He has worked on his defending.
The former Bolton and Oldham wide man says he has enjoyed his time with Wednesday more than his spells with his previous clubs and it would be a “pleasure” to be given a new contract:
“The city is a good place for me and my Jamaican friends. I got used to the club, and the fans are really good; they always give me encouragement, and they are always behind us all the time, even when we are losing,” he said.
“I don’t see myself playing in front of 5,000. I see myself at Sheffield Wednesday for a long time, if the gaffer wants to give me a new contract.
“I’m enjoying my football big time. I just need to stay fit, keep working and hopefully I’ll stay at Wednesday.”
Johnson also says he has overcome personal problems: “They affected me big time; plus I wasn’t playing, so it was bad for me. Now I am back with a good mindset - everything is behind me and I’m really happy with my form.”
His thoughts are also with his family, who are in his native Jamaica.
“I have my family back in Jamaica. I need to help them big time and I’m the only one in the family who is doing something special that I really love,” he said.
“ I really need to keep focusing on what I’m doing and do my best all the time so that can get a new contract.”
He prefers not to go into details about off-field issues: “I keep my stuff to myself and try to work it out on my own.
“My family are back home since December; that’s a big problem as well for me.”
On the field, opposition teams have been finding him hard to handle.
Boss Gary Megson said: “His last three goals have been goal-of-the-month contenders. Some people were criticisng me for giving JJ another year’s contract (last summer). I wouldn’t think they’re doing it now.
“Since he’s got back in the side, he’s done really well.
“It looks as if he’s taking more responsibilty. That consistency has been creeping in. these last few games. Hopefully he can keep that going.”
Megson added: “Nobody will be signing a new deal between now and the end of the season, because I’d love to be in a position where we’re at a higher level.
“It’s not even been discussed. Players sign a contract June to June, and you cope with it as and when.”
Teams and ref
OWLS (possible): Bywater, Otsemobor, Batth, R Jones, R Johnson, J Johnson, Prutton, Lines, Sedgwick, Lowe, Morrison (4-4-2).
SEASIDERS (possible): Gilks, Eardley, Wilson, Cathcart, Harris, Martinez, Southern, Sylvestre, LuaLua, K Phillips, Ince (4-3-3).
ANDY D’URSO (Essex): Owls games under him since Gary Megson became manager were the 2-1 defeat by Exeter in the last game of last season and the 0-0 draw with Brentford in November. His record this season is 35 games, 92 bookings and six sendings-off.
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Comments
There are 12 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
The Dukeries Owl
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 06:03 PM@11 that'll be 5 more than JB then?,
hilltopblade
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 05:15 PMSmegson was right to give him new contract. let me get this right. He's had five good games this season - quality
The Dukeries Owl
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 03:08 PMIf he carries on like this, he'll have to change his name to Ben Who?. We should just give him the ball as much as poss and tell him to "Go do what you do" and run the legs off em.
chrisSWFC
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 03:06 PMbroke my heart when his form dipped as hes always been a fav of mine,thought that could have been his wednesday days over but welcome back jj your a match winner the way your playing at the moment
Jamesowl
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 02:22 PMHis goal against Yoevil was brilliant. and he nearly always makes life difficult for the opposing team with his pace. I really hope he does get a new contract at the end of the season,
The Dukeries Owl
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 02:11 PMMaybe de man is hangin with bruvvaz wiv more class just lately.
Strigidae
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 01:34 PMGary, I for one am eating my words over the last few games, lets hope he keeps it up and becomes our secret weapon
Madowl76
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 12:44 PMIt's easy for us to judge sat in the stands but we don't know what's gone off in his personal life. Hopefully like he says, his head is in the right place now and he can finally push on and become a SWFC legend..... Maybe?!? Goals, goals, goals, tik a boo son, tik a boo! WTID UTO.
lanzarote owl
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 10:12 AMA player of JJs quality is invaluable for the run in, with his runs and spectacular goals, but that´s dependent on him putting in a full shift and not going missing when things get tough.
sliverblade
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 10:07 AMthis site is bad
Madowl76
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 08:50 AMI hope JJ can keep taking steps forward and retains his place in the squad. I know he's a bit of a live wire but he changes games. His inconsistency is an issue but with the hard work that he's been putting in, the odd off game is to be expected. I think if he continues in this vein, a new contract could be on the cards. I for one hope that he proves his doubters wrong and wish him all the best for the remainder of the season. WTID UTO.
todwick
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 08:37 AMJJ playing the way he has been is worth a contract but hes got to do this all season not just a few weeks
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