Ryan Johnson on ‘dream start’ at AFC Wimbledon and partnership alongside Stockport loanee Joe Lewis

Ryan Johnson has described his start to life at AFC Wimbledon as a “dream” after he opened his goalscoring account last weekend in the 3-0 derby day win over Sutton United.

The 26-year-old defender gave the Dons the lead in the 64th minute when he met James Tilley’s free-kick and headed beyond keeper Jack Rose to kickstart an emphatic victory.

Johnson also delivered an assured performance at the back, making 20 clearances and winning eight aerial battles – the most of any player on the pitch.

Continuing their unbeaten start to the 2023-24 League Two campaign – two wins and two draws – saw Johnnie Jackson’s side move up to third in the table.

“There has been a real feel-good factor about the place ever since I signed,” Johnson told the South London Press. “Meeting the staff and the boys, there has always been a team camaraderie. Going away in pre-season helped to gel.

“Since then, we have all pushed each other on in the right way. It’s showing on the pitch.

“It’s been a dream start – a really refreshing start.

“When we played Wimbledon at Plough Lane when I was at Stockport last year, we actually lost 1-0. The atmosphere wasn’t nice as the opposition – it was something that stuck in my mind. When the opportunity came up (to join Wimbledon), it was one I wanted to pursue. I’m really happy that I did.

“As long as we keep our heads down and stay humble – we haven’t achieved anything yet and it’s a long season – I’m excited. We have to keep grinding out these results.”

Birmingham-born Johnson came through West Brom’s academy before rejecting a scholarship at the Premier League side and leaving for Stevenage as a 16-year-old in search of first-team football, becoming Boro’s then-youngest Football League debutant in May 2014.

He also earned international recognition, starting for Northan Ireland’s U21 side in their European Championship qualifying group stages.

But Johnson was sent out on loan multiple times during his stint at Broadhall Way and even dropped down to Southern League Premier Division Central club Rushall Olympic for a game on non-contract terms at the start of the 2020-21 campaign.

He battled his way back up the divisions and is now playing his third consecutive season in League Two.

“It’s been a tough road,” admitted Johnson. “It’s the beauty of football. Nobody has the same path and you couldn’t have two players that have had the same career.

“I’m really grateful for the career I have had and it’s taught me a lot.

“Going on loan to the National League North was a really challenging time. Being a centre-back, you get into a lot of fights, battles and duals – but they toughen you up. You have to dig in when you are going on away trips when the pitches and the weather don’t work in your favour, but it helps.

“I always say to the younger lads: ‘If you ever have the opportunity to go on loan and get games at a really young age, it’s something you shouldn’t turn your nose up at. It teaches you a lot about yourself.’

“I’m only 26, so hopefully the best years are ahead of me. A lot more games and a few promotions would be nice.”

Johnson’s new centre-back partner at Plough Lane – Joe Lewis – is a familiar face for the former Hartlepool and Port Vale defender.

The pair played together at Stockport County last season, featuring 11 times together as the Hatters reached the League Two play-off final.

Free agent Johnson penned a two-year deal with the South Londoners. And three days later, Lewis, 23, completed a season-long loan deal from Stockport.

The duo have seamlessly slotted in alongside each other, with Wimbledon only conceding one goal in the league so far.

Top-of-the-league Gillingham, who have recorded four clean sheets in a row, are the only side with a better start in front of their own goal.

“It was funny,” said Johnson. “We were training, and I looked over to see Joe standing on the side and watching.

“After training, he said he was thinking about joining on loan. I don’t think he knew I was here – it was a nice surprise.

“It’s a relationship that’s deeper than the pitch. We have healthy competition – we want to push each other on. We don’t let each other get complacent or drop standards.

“It’s good to have that respect and that friendship. It’s important. It’s not just about Joe and me – it runs through the pitch, even with Omar [Bugiel] and me. On the pitch, we have had so many fights against each other in the past. But off it, we’re both chilled guys.

“It’s nice. Sometimes the perception of someone you get on the pitch is completely different to the one they show off it. You know he’s going to have your back on the pitch, as he’s a fighter.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD