Former Town striker David Johnson is feeling the weight of his £3 million tag hanging round his neck. The Forest striker has scored just two goals in fifteen games since his move from the Blues in January and feels that Town asked to much for him when he moved.
The striker said: "I must say I was disappointed that Ipswich asked £3 million for me going to a First Division club. I don't think I was really worth that. It was a lot of money for Forest to pay. I only hope I can prove I am worth it. I hope I can show it was money well spent."
Johnson's time at Town was characterised by periods of prolific goalscoring followed by frustrating barren spells. Often during these Johnson would make similar comments to those he is making now. Memorably last season he said he ought to be dropped after failing to score for several games on the trot. It became clear he was a player who depended very heavily on confidence, something he seems very short of at the moment.
As at Town he makes no excuses, blaming himself for his failure to score: "The last thing I want to do is make excuses. Results could have been better, but I think that Forest are a Premiership outfit and I just hope I can repay the faith they have shown in me."
However, his manager has faith in him despite criticism from others at the City Ground. David Platt said: "He's working hard and I've been quite pleased with the way he's settled in."
Town will be producing long-sleeved replica shirts for the first time in many years next season. The new strip is due to be launched on May 26th, depending on whether the sponsorship deal has been settled or not.
The limited supply of long-sleeved shirts will go on sale from the Autumn.