Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Eddie Johnson Signs with Fulham

Here is the news release from Fulham with a simple headline:Johnson Signs,
Following a hearing at a tribunal held in London earlier today, Fulham Football Club is pleased to announce that Eddie Johnson has been granted a work permit. The US international striker has signed a three-and-a-half year deal from The MLS that will see him remain at the Club until the summer of 2011.

23 year-old Johnson joined the Kansas City Wizards in the 2006 season and scored on his debut. He received his first cap and scored his first goal for the senior US national team against El Salvador on 9 October 2004, becoming one of an elite group of American players to get his first international goal in a World Cup Qualifier. He then scored a hat-trick in his second appearance, all in a 17-minute span against Panama, just four days later. Johnson scored a total of seven goals in his first six World Cup Qualifiers and has been the source of much speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League.
Fulham Manager Roy Hodgson was thankful:
"At 6’1'' inches tall Eddie has the presence that will complement the other forwards within our squad and he has the ability to offer us another dimension to our attacking play. I am delighted that he has joined us and am grateful to the representatives from the Home Office for granting him the work permit which will enable him to play for us as soon as possible."
Johnson, who was already in London for the hearing, could begin training quite soon, although no word on when that would actually happen.

Johnson brings some speed and scoring ability to be sure. If Hodgson sticks with a 4-4-2 formation, Johnson combined with Clint Dempsey and/or a healthy Brian McBride will add speed to a scrappy front line. With the addition of other players in recent weeks, Hodgson clearly hopes that some size in the back line and some speed up front will make a difference in the Club's hopes to remain in the Premier league.

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