Crystal Palace icon lands director of football role at Wilf Zaha’s AFC Croydon Athletic

Former Crystal Palace striker Andrew Johnson has been named as the new director of football at AFC Croydon Athletic.

Johnson, capped eight times by England at international level, spent four seasons at Selhurst Park and scored 83 goals and recorded five assists in 158 appearances.

He returned under Neil Warnock in the 2013-14 season and made one outing against Newcastle in the EFL Cup.

The now 43-year-old also had spells at Fulham, Everton and Birmingham during his career.

AFC Croydon Athletic ply their trade in the Combined Counties League Premier Division South and play at the Mayfield Stadium.

Wilfried Zaha, who progressed through Palace’s academy to become one of the club’s greatest ever players before leaving for Galatasaray in the summer, bought the club with rapper Stormzy and former Eagles kit manager Danny Young.

“I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of AFC Croydon Athletic and join the incredible team of changemakers at the club,” said Andrew Johnson. 

“Chairman Danny Young is a long-term friend of mine and when he told me about the things they are looking to do with the club and the community and asked if I would get involved it was a straight yes from me. I’ve seen first-hand the love for football in this community, and I can’t wait to help take the club to the next level.”