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Massively talented winger with great pace and a decent shot too.
He made major contributions to Leeds' climb out of the Second
Division under Don Revie and became the first black player to
appear in a Wembley FA Cup Final when Leeds faced Liverpool in
1965. He was an obvious target for racist abuse from the opposition
fans and players, and he sometimes went missing from the game - but
his lack of confidence was usually down to some over-robust
challenges from the opposition rather than comment from the
terraces. Injuries plagued his later years at Leeds, and with the
emergence of the (equally injury-prone) Eddie Gray, Albert was
edged out and moved on to York before retiring from the game. In
later years he developed an alcohol problem, and although he made
several recoveries and received support from fans and former
colleagues he died in 1995.
d.r.a.newbould says: I saw Albert play when I was a student at
York at the end of the 1960s, early 1970s.
Ian Johnson says: Every time he got the ball we all shouted
"come on Albert". I don't recall any particular incident in a match
but he was very nippy and could beat a defender with his turns and
speed. I am glad to read that he had help from the club and
supporters in his dark days and only sorry it turned out so
sadly.
David Edge says: My Father gave me strong memories of Albert
Johanneson by talking about him and John Charles all the time. I
wish I had been there...
Dennis G says: racism killed Albert..........wake up. Millwall
fan (black) who understands.... Long live tuth.
Sean Vaughan says: Albert was my first fotball hero.I saw him
play in 1964 when Leeds returned to the first division.The
barracking of black players was awful through to the nineties.It
must never be allowed to happen again. He would have been a real
superstar tday when quality players are much more protected from
the aggressive players. Wingers like Albert and later Eddie Gray
were literally kicked off the pitch.
Paul Eubanks says: As a seven year old black Leeds fan in 1965,
my father took me to Elland Road to watch Leeds, hence that was
where I watched Albert for the first time. He was amazing. As an
adult I've read so many books about Leeds players and the club and
it's incredible to read about his skill and ability. Unfortunately
he hit the bottle, but lets remember the skill he had and how he
shone, when it is documented that he brought the fans back to
Elland Road in the early 60's. I have an exhibition commemorating
Albert's historical career. If anyone would like their thoughts and
comments added about Albert exhibited in the exhibition please send
them with your name and the city/town where you live to
albert.legend@ntlworld.com I'll then inform you the next time the
exhibition is on display.If Albert was playing today he would be
priceless.
Brian Robson says: I attended my first match i t was probably
1964 and it was Sunderland v Leeds i can remember seeing a black
player it was probably Albert, and i was appalled to here the abuse
from the Sunderland fans, here we are 40 years later and as a
Newcastle fan with Boyer and Woodgate in our Ranks we still have
racism to contend with.
Stewart McCartney says: Albert was one of my childhood heroes,
as I stood at the corner of the Bootham End with my mate Phil. When
my mum bought me a subutteo team in Maroon in 1972 for Christmas, I
immmediately painted the number 11 black in his honour. God rest
his spirited and loving soul.
Paul Rowson says: As a huge Leeds fan from 1958 on I was sad to
see Albert drinking alone - although looking quite smart in a brown
suit- in the Mexborough (now the Three Hullits) in Chapel Allerton.
I remember him scoring agsinst Newcastle at the Scratching Shed end
after beating three players in a very muddy penalty box. I my Youth
I had no idea what he had to overcome in terms of culture and
racism and only later realised how good he was
Sophie Bourne says: Albert Johanneson was an outstanding player.
He was shot down by rascism. that led him to drink which killed
him. he died pennyless whereas if you look at the footballers of
today all they have to do is kick a ball and they have thousands of
pounds in their pockets. Rascism should be kicked out of football
forever!
Jamie Wright says: i'm doing a project on albert johanneson and
i am amazed to see he's one of the best players i've ever seen
Tony Chabot says: In my final two years at primary school
('61-63) I used to get free tickets for Leeds United home games
from my headmaster, Michael Healey; he was, I believe, coach for
Leeds United Juniors. The strongest memory I have is of Albert
Johanneson charging down the wing. To a 10-year-old viewing from
below pitch height the sight of such a large man steaming along at
high speed was tremendous, but it was the sound that was most
memorable: the pounding of feet and the explosive expiration of
breath. Magnificent!
Robert Angelini says: Albert Johanneson's nephew Carl Johanneson
(15-1, 8KOs) will be boxing in Wembley Arena,London (vs Carl
Greaves of Nottinghamon) March 20th, 2004. Carl was inpired to box
by Albert and professeses Albert as his driving force. Support Carl
if you can on 20 March in London.
Robert Angelini says: Carl Johanneson improved his record to
16-1, 9KOs after defeating WBF Super-Feather Carl Greaves at
Wembley Arena, London on March 20th, 2004. Thanks for supporting
Albert's nephew Carl in his endeavors. I'm sure Albert would have
been proud. I now we are in the USA and in Carl's
hometown...LEEDS!
John Durkin says: i am Carl Johannesons' manager and would like
to thank everyone for their support for carl in his quest for world
championship glory. Carl always talks about his uncle and the
positive effect he had on him, Please do not forget the Albert
Johanneson legacy and lets improve race relations in sport
Twiggster says: My memories are of a streak of black lightening
flying around the pitch at E.R. in the 60's....we Leeds fans threw
him bananas from the Shed, but we didn't KNOW it was racist back
then, as blacks were far and few between - and even less in
football. We thought he liked them, in our ignorance. He would duly
pick them up and bring them to the dugout. My last memory of him
was that he was lying injured on the pitch, as Eddie Gray danced
around 7 Burnley defenders AND Albert, to score the best goal I
ever saw at E.R. If racism wins, football is the loser.
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