Bobby made 36 appearances, in the league above, last time out, proving his worth as Farsley secured their National League North status on the final day. Blues' boss, Neal Bishop, entering into his second season at the helm, gave his thoughts on the new recruit, and explained how it was something of a team effort to get Johnson through the door:

"I am absolutely delighted to get Bobby on board. It has been a massive, massive effort from Misky, (Interim Co-Chairman) Stampy (Assistant Manager, Darryn Stamp) and Jonno (Physio, Jonathan Whitehorne). We have all had conversations with him, I have been away for a few days, so the lads have to take most of the credit for this one."

Outlining the calibre of the new signing, Bish explained, "He is brilliant, a fantastic player, very good at the level above, so again, for us to get him to commit to us, when he had a lot of different offers, a lot of big offers on the table – and good clubs interested in him, to get him to buy into what we are doing here is brilliant."

Bishop revealed the secret weapon in snapping up the experienced midfielder, "I know Jonno knows him personally and speaks very highly of him. He is full of energy and will add goals from midfield. I like my midfield to play on the front foot, press and get around the pitch, and he can certainly do that!

"With the signings we have got (Lewis Butroid from Farsley and Dayle Southwell from Alfreton), I think he can see what we are going for and how we want to play. There is a lot of experience and a lot of know how in this league. And we won’t be able to compete with their budgets, but our identity, style and image in how we want to represent ourselves will be relentless. Bobby certainly fits that bill!"

Drawing comparisons with last season's successful squad, the gaffer commented, "Again, you look at players you are bringing in, and you want to make improvements on what you have got. I think he is just that, with no disrespect to anyone else, he is that, and I am looking forward to working with him. When I spoke to him the other day, he was excited about joining us and being a part of this football club. He wants to succeed, and that is a common theme amongst our signings, they want to kick on."

Continuing, Bish quickly pointed out, "They’re certainly not just here for the money, they are coming here with a point to prove. They want to be the best that they can be. They want to help Gainsborough have as successful a season as we have just had. We know it is going to be hard. The lateral movements in the division, the size of some of the budgets we are competing with, but we have a style and identity that we committed to last year, and we saw where it took us. Playing attractive, front foot football – it’s what we want to do again this season."

The latest addition to our 2023/24 Gainsborough Trinity squad, took time away from his summer, spent either on the golf courses (of Gainsborough) or on his day job, working within Public Health to give an insight into why joining Trinity was such an exciting proposition:

"Trinity has always been somewhere I saw myself playing at some point. I’m fairly local and have played here a few times whilst at North Ferriby, Alfreton and even at school. Trinity had a good season last year, being the top scorers in the division and the style of football they play was a real draw and something I was keen to be a part of. I hope to add a bit of experience and energy on the pitch and I aim to chip in with a few goals and assists."

Knowing a number of players, and some of the staff behind the scenes, helped Bobby make the decision to play his football at DN21 this coming season, "I’ve played with a few of the lads before, Dayle, Lewis and George so I’m sure we’ll have a great group off the field as well as on. I know a couple of the backroom staff too, which also helped me make up my mind along with the clear ambition of the club which Bish explained."

Having the understanding of the Holy Blues' ambition for the season ahead, meant Johnson was bullish when asked about his and the team's ambition, "I’d love to think we can go one step further next season and from the recruitment so far I don’t see why we can’t? I can’t wait to get going!"

Sponsorship

Welcome to the football club, Bobby. We cannot wait to see you in Gainsborough Trinity blue, as you start the next chapter in your career, here at the Northolme. Bobby is available to sponsor, home and away for the 2023/24 season. Prices, per kit, starting at £100 for individuals (£120 for businesses, which includes VAT). Anyone looking to get involved, sponsoring Bobby, should contact Dave Horsley by calling 07971 022024 to secure your players shirt.

Article written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)