Exclusive Q & A with Walsall's Danny Johnson

In the summer of 2022, former Cardiff City forward Danny Johnson signed for Walsall on loan until January from League Two rivals Mansfield Town. 

After an impressive campaign at Leyton Orient in League Two in 2020/21, The Saddlers striker is looking to break his personal EFL record with his eight in 13 meaning he only needs ten for the rest of the campaign to beat his Orient tally.

Playmaker were fortunate enough to have a chat with Danny to discuss his start to the season, general feelings on his career so far and a few other bits and bobs. 

�Getty / MI News

PM: First of all, Danny, congratulations on your impressive start to the season. 8 goals in 13 League Two games with an assist has you sitting third in the scoring charts, behind Sam Hoskins of Northampton and Andy Cook at Bradford. You’ve already reached double figures in all competitions. How pleased have you been with your personal performances?
DJ: I’m delighted with my start to the season after a frustrating last season. But I always believe in my ability to score goals so to get to double figures already I’m pleased.

PM: You enjoyed an impressive 2020/21 campaign with Leyton Orient, scoring 17 goals in 42 games. Are there any similarities in the way you are playing/feeling between then and now?
DJ: Yes, I had a comparison the other week to see where I was at and my starts to both seasons have been similar goal returns wise. I think my goals:starts is better than 1 in 2 throughout my career so I feel confident and go into every game knowing if I get a chance I’ll put it away.

PM: On that subject, 17 is your highest tally in the EFL but you did manage 45 goals in 39 games in the 2013/14 at Guisborough Town. Have you set any targets for yourself this season?
DJ: I like to work in stages, get my first goal and then look at getting to double figures and now I want to beat my previous total and then go from there again.

PM: You have played for clubs in Scotland’s first and second divisions, England’s second, third and fourth tiers as well as the non-league system alongside a spell in Spain at Real Murcia. Do you feel like this mixture of clubs has helped you improve as a player generally?
DJ: I do, it’s not been plain sailing my journey and I’ve had to work hard from non league to setbacks in the EFL. I’ve had some really good life experiences that help you develop as a person, which I feel can lead into your game.

PM: Walsall had a great start to the season with back-to-back victories before a nine-match winless run in League Two. How is the squad feeling after 14 games so far this season.
DJ: The squad feels positive, it was a good start to the season and then throughout the next run of games we conceded some late goals and maybe not getting some luck in a few games. We’ve not been beat by more than a single goal in the league so we are always in games and deserve a better points return.

But it’s a new squad and we’ve pushed some of the top teams in this league very close so far.

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PM: On that, has the manager, Michael Flynn, made it clear to the squad what the priorities and goals are for the side this season?
DJ: The club wants to improve on the previous few seasons and get into that top half and start pushing for more. We have shown we can compete with teams at the top of league we just need to show more consistent in our play.

Quick-fire:

How many goals will Erling Haaland score this season? He’s going to break all sorts of records I wouldn’t be surprised if he stays fit - and not having a World Cup he could hit 40 in the league.

Who will win the World Cup? I’d like to say England and have belief, it’s got to happen some time right?

Who is the toughest defender you have faced in your career? Toughest is difficult you're always having a battle so there’s not one that jumps out at me, but the best is definitely Kieran Tierney you could see in the Celtic game he was levels above everyone else.

🥇Most goals in 22/23 (top four tiers):

7⚽️: ⚡️ @SamHoskins_14 ⚡️
5⚽️: Jonson Clarke-Harris, Danny Johnson
4⚽️: Rodrigo, Oscar Estupiñán, Aaron Collins, Colby Bishop, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Courtney Baker-Richardson, Kristian Dennis#ShoeArmy 👞 pic.twitter.com/uocrWig9rV

— playmakerstats (@playmaker_EN) August 22, 2022