Ben Johnson smiling

Career highlights and childhood fears | Any Questions with Ben Johnson

Ben Johnson is next to step up to our random question challenge. One hundred questions to choose from - which ones will the defender pull out?

 

Would you rather be a world-famous singer or world-famous actor? 

"That’s easy for me. I’d rather be a world-famous actor. I think I’ve got the mindset to be an actor. To do your own stunts, and be involved in film-making, that would be really cool. Also, when you’re an actor, you’re properly famous. 

"People see footballers as famous, but actors are on a completely different level. Imagine watching yourself in a movie too!"

 

What has been the highlight of your career so far? 

"It is definitely winning the UEFA Europa Conference League. I think it’s a self-explanatory answer. I’ve been at the Club since I was seven and I made my way through the Academy. Coming up through the U16s and U18s, I never thought in my wildest dreams we’d be playing in those European competitions in the first team, it was a really sweet moment for me."

Johnson with the Europa Conference League trophy

What is your favourite way to spend your downtime? 

"People are going to think I’m being heartfelt, but it’s spending time with my girlfriend Jess. Football keeps me busy most of the time, so we don’t get much downtime together. When I do get downtime, I want to spend it with her."

 

Tell us about the time you were most scared as a child.

"There was a time we went to Tunisia when I was a child. I was six years old, I went in the deep end of the swimming pool too early, and I nearly drowned!

"My oldest brother, Matthew, saved me. That is the scariest thing I remember from my childhood."

 

Aside from WhatsApp, what is the first app you look at in the morning on my phone? 

"Recently, it would be the crossword app I’ve got. I will have a go on it just before I go in the shower in the morning, but I don’t tend to go on my phone much in the morning. I just try to go on it to help me wake up."

Ben Johnson in training

What one event in history would you have liked to have witnessed?

"That’s a very tough question! It’s probably a bit of cringey answer, but I would say the 1966 World Cup final. I was speaking to someone not long ago who was there, and it sounded amazing. To see that history, and what it was like, would have been incredible."


Who is the most famous name in your phonebook? 

"My phonebook doesn’t have too many famous names in it from outside football. I’d have to say Declan Rice, which isn’t a bad one at all actually."


Have you ever seen a ghost? 

"No I haven’t. I don’t believe in ghosts but I do believe there is something to be said for spirits, the afterlife, and that stuff. I’m a Christian, and I believe in Heaven. I think there is something in spirits.'

Johnson white kit

Do you have a secret talent? 

"I wouldn’t say I have a secret talent now, but I used to play the saxophone when I was younger. I gave it up and I’ve regretted it ever since. To be honest, I was a bit embarrassed about it, but I wish I kept it up. 

"It started with the clarinet, which I started playing when I was ten-years-old. My mum had us all playing instruments and I got to grade four, and then I moved up to the saxophone. But I was a teenage boy, trying to look cool in school, and so I stopped."

 

Where in the team line-up do you like to stand when coming out for matches? 

"I don’t really mind but, if I was asked for my preference, I would say just behind the goalkeeper. That is normally third in line, after the captain and goalkeeper. It isn’t a superstitious thing though so there is no real reason for it."


Who is the best person you have ever known? 

"I would say my Dad. Now I’m getting older I can recognise and appreciate everything he has ever done for me. I see a lot of my myself in him, which is great too. It’s definitely my Dad."

 

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