A TAYLOR-MADE SUCCESS STORY!

THE GAFFER’S GREATEST GAFFER WITH GARY JOHNSON

- Andy Mitchell

WHO inspires the inspirations in the ever-changing world of football? Which traits stand the test of time?

In the latest of our series we pick the brains of one of the most decorated managers to grace the Non-League circuit, Torquay United’s Gary Johnson.

Despite being far more famous for his exploits in the dugout than his playing career, those early days in the game and time coaching have provided his biggest influences.

They helped shape a career that saw Johnson lead Yeovil Town to the FA Trophy, Conference and League Two titles, Bristol City from League One struggles to the Championship play-off final, then Yeovil to the fairytale of a season in the second tier.

He guided Cheltenham Town straight back into the Football League with the National League title and has turned the tide at Torquay United, winning National South to kick off the Devon club’s renaissance.

All of that came after a first gig as player-manager at Newmarket Town, a role he relinquished to play a part in Cambridge United’s historic ascent from Division Four strugglers to the cusp of top-flight football alongside John Beck.

A move to Graham Taylor’s Watford, via Kettering Town, would also prove important prior to heading on to the international stage with Latvia.

WHO WAS YOUR GREATEST GAFFER AND WHY?

My favourite gaffers would be the ones I worked with as a coach. I worked under Graham Taylor at Watford and that was an unbelievable experience. He was a fantastic man manager and there were a couple of promotions along the way.