sad news coming out of aus former warrington player and coach as passed away , truly a wire legend

Gutted.
Another Wire hero gone. A truly fantastic fullback, who (unfortunately for him) had a couple of Aussie legends ahead of him in the pecking order, otherwise he'd have had a bucketful of caps.

Scored a FANTASTIC try in the LCCF (one of his earliest Wire games), and capped he season with a cracker the Prem Final.

Superb LCC semi and Final wins (as coach) in 89, and went on to more glory.

Tomorrow is the 25th anniversary of Johnno's finest hour with our club. It was a long time between drinks until Mr Smith arrived.

7 years as a coach in those days, was unheard of

So, from the 89 LCCF win, we've now lost Johnno, Mackey, Mike Greg and Derbyshire. Sad, sad day.

RIP to a dignified, good bloke.

I remeber the try in the prem final was a good 70 yard effort and sent the wire faithful into a eruption of delight on a sour note thou i also remember is last game in charge that 80 nil thumping at knowsley rd in the regal trophy , i remember waking the following morning to the news of his resignation and i think that hurt more than the loss

From another site reported he was suffering from Alzheimers. he was only 59. Quickest fullback I ever saw.

My favourite Wire player ever. RIP Johnno.

What an absolute shame. His try at Elland Road in the Premiership Final in '86 will live with me a long time. To think he was on the bench for that game too. He also had us playing some superb rugby as coach before it all came to an end. Sad news.

My childhood hero.

Very sad news. RIP Johnno. Great player, good coach, forever a wire.

Too many good memories of him as a player and coach.
It's terrible, and he was so young.
RIP Brian.
Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Such a shame, I will always have brilliant memories of him. Sad day.

RIP Brian ,a good player and a good guy. from Leeds Rhino

Gutted... Play on in heaven Johno..

Very sad news indeed and at such a young age. He has left us with some terrific memories, as mentioned earlier, the 1986 Premiership Final try was a sight to see, worth the entrance fee on its own as they say.
Excellent coach as well even if his tenure did end badly. A Warrington legend.

Johno was a superb fullback, and his timing coming into the line was something most players could only dream of emulating, then and now. He was also an intelligent and innovative coach ultimately let down by a group of players unable to match his intelligence and application.

But more than this, he was a lovely human being, possessing armfuls of dignity, humour, humility and grace.

Another of my pantheon of heroes leaves the stage.

Sad news, a wire legend. Similar attributes to Hicks and Brett Hodgson. RIP Brian.

Lots of great memories but clearly that length of the fielder in the premiership final against Halifax was amazing. I still have it on an old Betamax tape! My dad was with me at the match and he paid the ultimate compliment describing that try as like something from Brian Bevan.

For those who can't remember that 1986 final. Also he was not 1st choice fullback that day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj3Xm7lCJhI

For those who can't remember that 1986 final. Also he was not 1st choice fullback that day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj3Xm7lCJhI

Sad sad news. RIP Johno!

Not only was he young at 59, Alzheimers is the cruelest of diseases to have.
RIP Brian

RIP Brian a true great Wire both as player and coach. Condolences to all his family and friends.

If I remember right Paul Ford kept him on the subs bench that day of the Premiership final because he had been playing out of his skin. Before Johnos arrival he had looked pretty ordinary but obviously inspired by the great player raised his own standards to get in the team. Johno of course then came on and showed what he could do. What a side that was and equally what a coaching performance to get us equal top with Bradford and Wigan.

Taken from us far too young

i was saddened by the news that a physically strong active,respected man was taken by this awful illness.he passed from us as he came to us without fuss.with due respect,he was the finest fullback i have seen in the p&b.when coach,he organised and strengthened our squad,brought us to level we often promised,but never achieved.
brian johnson will live in my memory.my sincere condolences to his friends and family.
thanks johnno.

Quote ="Builth Wells Wire"For those who can't remember that 1986 final. Also he was not 1st choice fullback that day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj3Xm7lCJhI'" A game too far for us that day but at least we went home having seen that try. A quality player and another that will be sadly missed. RIP

Quote ="Builth Wells Wire"For those who can't remember that 1986 final. Also he was not 1st choice fullback that day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj3Xm7lCJhI'" A game too far for us that day but at least we went home having seen that try. A quality player and another that will be sadly missed. RIP

Very sad news. A thoroughbred full-back and an excellent coach ahead of his time. Johno preference for the old style
rugby boot instead of football style one gave him the appearance of being ponderous but he was anything but. Great turn of speed, excellent step and his ability to join the line with perfect timing made him a potent and classy no.1.
Awful that Johno has been taken from Karen and his family at such a young age. RIP Brian, you will be remembered fondly by all of us.

Really sad to hear the news of his passing one name to look out for on the team sheet as it was always a pleasure to watch him play, during his time as coach I was informed that from time to time he would help out academy players with some training kit and the like, a true measure of the man. RIP.

Damn fine player. Deepest sympathy to his family & friends & his army of fans.