It's been 16 YEARS since the flying Scotsman left Sunderland, so the youngest readers of this list can be forgiven for not knowing a great deal about 'Magic' Johnston. For a rough idea of his style, think Adam Johnson, but better...and without the court case... Johnston didn't earn the adoration of the Sunderland fans by chance, he was a genuine class act, jinking his way down the wings, beating defenders at will, and nine times out of ten would plant the ball directly onto Niall Quinn's head, or in the back of the net. Rangers had turned his head at one point, and Johnston felt the no nonsense wrath of Peter Reid who sent him to train with the reserves, and while he wasn't sold for cash, that almost makes it worse, as he departed on a free transfer for Rangers, before his career spiraled downwards. If he'd hung around, he could've been part of an immense Premier League team, and would've set his career on a higher path. Why wasn't more done to convince him?
What Culture contributor. NCTJ accredited Sports Journalist. Regret-filled Sunderland AFC season ticket holder. Optimism-filled NFL fan. Lover of all things Game Of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Walking Dead & more.
