E52 - Michael Johnson, England Football Coach

The Christians in Sport Podcast

Michael Johnson is an experienced player and respected coach within English Football. Having played for Birmingham City and Jamaica he moved into coaching after retiring. Since then roles have included coaching England's U21 team for two years and head coaching Guyana's national men's team.
Danno caught up with Michael at St. George's Park to chat to him about his coaching career and what it looks like to connect sport and faith at the top level of football.
(01:30) What does it mean to have your sport, work and faith connected?
(03:30) Mentoring for UEFA
(05:08) Progressing as a coach against the backdrop of racism in professional football
(08:44) What does it look like to mentor world-class players into coaching?
(10:28) Why do top pro footballers struggle with retirement?
(12:40) Facing retirement as a Christian
(14:44) Coming to faith as a professional footballer
(17:30) What does witness look like in top-level football
(20:15) Michael's current role at England Football
(26:38) Playing for Jamaica & the journey to head coaching Guyana
(29:00) How has your faith influenced your career?
(33:03) Peer support and mentoring other Christians within professional football
(38:31) Thoughts on the England team and their world cup campaign