Matty Johns chats with Liverpool and Aussie football icon Craig Johnston | The Matty Johns Podcast

Matty Johns sits down with Aussie footballing icon Craig Johnston. As Matty says off the top, this is his favourite, all time, sporting story.
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[@kiriakoz]

I listen to this roughly once a year whenever I’m having a bad time to remind me that anything is possible if you have the right mindset.

[@SuperWright66]

From liverpool and as a scouser we will always be forever greatful for the joy you gave us and the support you gave in are time of need God bless you Craig Johnston from are heart YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE

[@nialloconnor1600]

From a Liverpool fan in Dublin who came across this podcast by chance absolutely brilliant

[@damienparry5219]

Ssssooo

I met Craig on a flight in Germany during the 2006 World Cup. He was having a bit of a row with his wife in their seats, he seemed in trouble, so when I got up out of my seat and approached him and said what a legend he was and how much I'd looked up to him as a kid, he was more than happy to chat to me! He was the nicest guy, signed my world cup match ticket and was genuinely touched when I told him what an honor it was to meet him. He even found me later in the terminal and kept talking football with me. I was buzzing for weeks afterwards. Great guy, great interview.

[@nicholasjohnson6724]

Even in his prime, this guy was an absolute gentleman. I've been bankrupt, suffered health issues and ended up homeless, all at the same time. Bankruptcy is hard, you loose everything, including your spouse. I ended up couch and garage jumping for a few years as well. What really got me was people sneering and actually laughing at me. People I thought were friends and family. I'll never forget that. My God bless you Craig, you are an absolute gentleman.

[@willh1970]

Wow! I remember Craig playing for LFC. He was brilliant, never had any idea that he went through this. Even MORE respect!

[@stillages1]

One of my favourite Liverpool players, never gave up, gave everything in every game

[@andrebotha8758]

Foreigner living in Stokesley, near Middlesborough, and used to watch Craig at Ayrsome park before he moved to Liverpool. Great player. Fast and courages.

[@BATDOYLE]

What a fantastic man Craig Johnston is. Needs to be made a Sir or whatever Australia's govt can bestow upon him. His creativity, positivity and defiance in the face of massive challenges is inspiring.

[@deathofcommonsense]

As a scouser living in Aus from 1976, Craig was a real hero of mine but to hear what he did and went through is totally gobsmacking, never knew about this stuff. Have even more admiration for him now...what a legend. Great interview.

[@jacobmartin7684]

The Gentle Walk what’s a scouser

[@deathofcommonsense]

@@jacobmartin7684 it's someone who was born in Liverpool. Scouse was an old traditional meal common in Liverpool in the 50's and 60's especially, so people around the UK came to call us Scousers :)

[@jacobmartin7684]

The Gentle Walk interesting thanks!

[@dozz87]

Liverpool fan (32) who has only heard the odd story/seen the odd highlight reel of Craig Johnston before watching this interview. Inspiring stuff. Legend.

[@briankennedy1192]

Good onya buddy, that Liverpool team of the 80s was special.

[@sefs.k]

What an amazing story

[@difdaf436]

So true what he says. I watched an interview with Cameron Smith the other day and as a junior he was faaar from a stand out, but has come to be arguably the best player to ever play the game..

[@insidethedcoachingtraining3071]

Bloody brilliant, his story work ethic as young kid in England on his own is amazing....time to get his book as well. Well done Matty on a great interview 💪

[@simonforrest2522]

Very inspiring story from an ABSOLUTE Liverpool legend.. YNWA

[@britbox4517]

Great interview. Always saw Craig as slightly underappreciated and underrated as a player. Top pro.

[@paulodonoghue3666]

As a Man Utd follower home and away in the late 70s to mid 80s I can tell you he was never underrated by opposing fans - fabulous player who was probably the strongest and fittest player during that time.

[@juliewholohan2415]

Bugger Bend it like Beckham , Craig’s story should be made into movie...an Aussie legend and an inspiration to all the privileged kids of today.👍

[@kiriakoz]

@Luke Shaw's Daddy Beckham was severely over-rated mate because he was on underwear adverts and changed his hairstyle 55 million times. In fact, most of England hated him after 1998 WC. He was a winger who couldn't dribble past and beat players! Amazing dead ball specialist and he made the most of what he had, but don't make him out to be some kind of untouchable legend.

[@Chuckson56]

Craig Johnston is the reason why I am a Liverpool supporter and the FFA should use him to improve football here.

[@poutsa1974]

Chuckson56 same here. It’s a story that is severely under appreciated

[@stephenpencheff3151]

Yeah I am one of many that became a LFC fan thanks Johno

[@gymjam3692]

One of the best sporting interviews I've ever heard. Well done Matty Johns, much respect! Craig Johnson, hats off to you.

[@Nigz27]

Heart warming podcast.. Craig Johnston is a legend of footy ⚽️ pure gold 🏆🥇 love ya work Matty Johns 👍🏼

[@duugro]

Wow that was wonderful. An inspirational man who's done so much. Really hope that documentary gets made. Great job by Matty Johns also

[@ozintegrale33]

What an inspirational and humble man. Read his book many years ago, but this still brought a tear to the eye!

[@PaulShandWalker]

awesome story and what an amazing amount of life lesson's. Matty Johns, or whoever at Fox, channel 9 etc, they should do his doco series or film, and get this out to the mass public. What an inspiration, not only because of his sporting and product creations, but for the family tragedy and sporting tragedy he witnessed, and the kind heart he has to help those people. 10/10 interviewing and storytelling!

[@anthonysinclair4114]

Well said

[@Nigz27]

Totally agree 👍🏼

[@samrainima9111]

I never knew of Craig before this podcast. I love listening good podcasts from people around the world like Joe Rogan, Lewis Howes, etc. This is honestly one of the most amazing stories I've ever heard! Great job Matty, love your work!!

[@zimmer1166]

amazing interview im a scouser born n bred that guy was a great footballer for liverpool, im glad hes ok n keep going strong

[@boysdontcry5487]

This is a remarkable story. Someone simply has to tell it - truly inspirational. Brilliantly shaped by Matty Johns - the humility of Craig Johnstone is phenomenal and genuinely touching.

[@descarroll4236]

Great interview. Great story well told. What a legend. A Kiwi Koppite,

[@MellorDR]

saw him play for the reds many times , was just inspirational to watch

[@richardm68]

Craig Johnston is a LEGENDARY Liverpool player .

[@wormsnake1]

Brilliant player and a humble person...♥️👌x

[@frankoconnor7309]

Wow riveting conversation, you guys edged out me watching Newcastle beating Manly on the tele, couldn't stop watching, Matty's right Craig's story will be a great show to watch.

[@camdee9916]

His story should be made into a film. What a story! What a guy!

[@petershuttleworth3633]

wow what a story!!! I remember watching the 70s and 80s Liverpool and Johnston and Dalglish were my heroes ( along with the Greenhof brothers and Stuart Pearson) fantastic advert to not give up..WELL DONE GUYS

[@flyingcod14]

Grew up watching "Johnno" what a great man.

[@jimrobertson9011]

Craig your a legend ,thank you for giving us so much pleasure ,LFC 6x

[@paultregoning9033]

Amazing interview, great job Matty! Great to hear so much detail about Craig's life, the highs and the lows!

[@TheEarlyLearningProgram]

Watching from China. Absolutely brilliant. Matty getting better and better at your job. Craig what a wonderful person

[@jorgepeters7474]

One of the best interviews ever.👍

[@justiceforall101]

His story would make a fantastic movie. I don't know why it hasn't been done yet.

[@rickydicky100]

What a very humble guy so honest

[@beforethesoap4840]

My favourite player at the time. What a guy and what a story! It would make a superb movie!

[@bmarkrundle]

Craig Johnston is one of the greatest human beings on the planet; his life makes Forrest Gump's life look uneventful.

[@patwaddington]

I’ve watched this like 3-4 times it’s absolutely incredible

[@redman9pablo]

Hollywood need to make a film about his journey - such an amazing story such an amazing man

[@02logan]

I tip my hat to him.. What a gentleman to give up for his sister! Trials and tribulations will never dim the great human that he is. God bless his heart! YNWA from Singapore

[@welshlad6427]

Loved Craig Johnston at Liverpool ❤️

[@deadlyuncle4160]

What a deadly story I can’t wait for the movie 👍🏽 awesome podcast as well Matty

[@toddhull6836]

What an inspiring story and proof that a kid from Newy can do anything .

[@SR-xk8cd]

Great interview, you have to admire Craig Johnston’s incredible determination to succeed as a professional soccer player.

[@davidnesbit45]

May 10, 1986 at approximately 4:20pm and this guy is responsible for one of the top 3 moments of my life when he scores in the FA Cup Final to put us 2-1 ahead against Everton.

[@TheAllthegoodstuff]

Brilliant. Thankyou gentlemen. Much love

[@daveconvoy5793]

Always my favourite player, for his enthusiasm and character

[@anthonyharris7616]

MESSAGE TO CRAIG ================= I have been a Liverpool fan for longer than I care to admit & have enjoyed watching you play in years gone by. I am STUNNED (and that does not happen too often.) There are tears in my eyes and joy in my heart! I obviously knew little of "The Car Park Kangaroo." Your story is inspirational, being banished by Charlton but still determined to succeed. You say you were not the most talented footballer in the world but I only came across you as a Liverpool player and that is not something I noticed. Then leaving to look after your family, success and failure in the business world and health dilemmas. IT WAS A PRIVILEGE TO WATCH THAT - THANK YOU xxx

[@davidjames1881]

Soundly put

[@brad_owen]

Read the book more than a few times, lived and breathed it as a kid.

[@jennifercreecy8091]

Absolutely adored this interview. Barrie Scarfe says a mighty huge hi Craig. xx

[@waynekrumbach]

I love that V shaped trim! Australia & New Zealand both have it. Seems like just the thing for the National Rugby League.

[@mickc7159]

Love this guy Not enough recognition in this football ignorant country.

[@briankennedy1192]

Well said. Mick.

[@aussiefarmer4955]

I hope one day a movie is made of Craig, it is a wonderful story.

[@sunnyxdays1036]

Love Graig Johnston has a scouser and a Liverpool fan the Lad would give 100% when he put that famous red shirt on for Us .

[@gerardtoner9191]

As a Manchester United fan I feared Craig Johnson more than any other player, with him in liverpool's side his inspiration alone would literally drag liverpool back to life when they weren't playing well , I've never seen any other player graft like him ,all heart absolutely loved Johnson, always gave his all ,what more could a fan want

[@eddielasowsky7777]

It's a shame Craig hardly mentioned Bob Paisley. Bob was a genius whose achievements in the game are vastly underrated.

[@fishpest2039]

Stunning interview, what a role model this man is to everyone out there

[@srbno3309]

I first read his biography when it cam out in 1989 and was shocked at what he had to go through to reach the heights he did. I have dozens more bio's now in my small library but always return to Craig's story. Combination of determination, dedication and belief. Great job here Matty and thanks for bringing it to us all. Come on you red men!!

[@mickc7159]

Dad came home from work with a bloody TV one day, used to get the old European championship games on ABC, Graig Johnson and Liverpool fan ever since. How good are they going now. ABC had the best back then Saturday league with Warren Boland. Soccer and SAFL

[@anthonysinclair4114]

That was absolutely superb. What an inspiration

[@fc7424]

WOW!!! What a fighter and legend. Craig's story would make a great movie.

[@dalemawby8717]

What an amazing man and story!

[@mitchb77]

Underrated!! Absolute class!! Perfect attitude towards the sport!!

[@dabdab5684]

What a story.

[@pudlah]

an interview from the heart and soul

[@charlesraka]

I'm a Man Utd fan but I enjoyed this very inspirational interview. #respect

[@andywalker9079]

Absolutely brilliant interview

[@turkeysnest5402]

Amazing story. what a life he's lived.

[@stephenbride6884]

Best goal I saw you score Craig was against man u in a midweek game at old Trafford class

[@jakestevanja1304]

Wow, so glad i found this!!! Amazing!!

[@nuddz]

Great podcast,thouroughly enjoyed this story

[@patwaddington]

What an absolute legend

[@anthonygriffiths9821]

Great interview....thanks for that, lads...

[@Kenneth_Usher]

Liverpool Legend

[@nobletenshi7659]

I dont know this guy, maybe before my time ? But I became a Liverpool fan cause of Harry Kewel. Happy to learn there was another Aussie who played for Liverpool. Good stuff. Go Liverpool! 4/4 ^_~ I might try digging up some info!

[@glorfindel72]

Fantastic player...loved him as a kid. I had no idea of his story. Brilliant makes me love him all the more.

[@larskuhlcke7704]

What a great story!

[@raystephens1142]

Love Matty Johns’ football (the original footy!) knowledge.

[@Monkeydasubz]

When my dad told me this story I thought it was fake but I googled it and this story is amazing 🤩

[@andrewmolloy7742]

Truly great man,Loved this

[@manoxipo3756]

Walk Alone the book changed my life . First book I actually read cover to cover.

[@davidjames1881]

Legend

[@milanbaros2005]

I sat on Craig's knee after the 88' cup final, after the game. Asking him to stay at Liverpool FC, little did i know his sister was not well. YNWA.

[@adamjones7803]

My first favourite player. Bit quirky but aren't we all.

[@mikebarton]

That was well worth watching/listening to.

[@briankennedy1192]

Still have the images of the dynamic young Johno , on fire for Liverpool, in my opinion one of Australia's top 3 sportsman on the world stage.

[@xdoomsayersx]

Two of the greatest Novacastrians ever!

[@DominicMcCarthydomo]

Agree with your opening statement Matty.. bigtime 💪🏼✊🏼

[@pj006marsden]

Such a great story . Ozzie legend

[@kevincollier384]

Great interview

[@TheIngram94]

Amazing Podcast!

[@juddmichel7920]

Best podcast listened to all of it

[@baileygaughan1963]

Fucking Brilliant.

[@damoharris3244]

Best podcast ever , not even a football fan but this guy is a genius

[@lukemckean6155]

This is the greatest football story

[@johnjullien-wk3pp]

Very good interview Matty.

[@EinMagillaGorilla]

LEGEND!!