Sporting Khalsa joy as Johnson joins coaching team

The ex-Leeds, Hull and Sunderland player – who grew up in West Bromwich – has joined the Midland Premier League club as part of their coaching team for next season.

Rowe, who was chasing promotion last campaign until it was cancelled due to the coronavirus, says the 37-year-old has already made his mark on the squad.

“I know Simon and he’s a decent guy – I know he’s a good coach,” Rowe said.

“We needed to bring someone in and he fitted the bill of what we needed.

“He has plenty of experience, his tactical awareness is really good and I think he will be a great acquisition for us.

“I’m really looking forward to working with him.

“We’ve been in for the last two weeks, doing bits and pieces, and he’s fitted in really well.

“The lads like him, the staff like him, so he’ll be a good acquisition for the club.

“He’s already made an impression with what he has spoken about, especially with the younger players.

“He’ll be good for them, straight away he’s getting on well with them and adding bits to their game.

“His experience will be a big help and he’s a local lad too, so it fits the bill.”

With so much uncertainly still looming over the 2020/21 season – and no fixed date set for when clubs can return to pre-season – Khalsa are taking their time with their new coaching addition.

When asked what Johnson’s responsibilities will be, Rowe insisted it will become clearer over time.

“At that moment that is still to be decided,” he added.

“It’s a case of getting back first. With all the social distancing the lads are split up into different groups anyway.

“At the moment it’s optional for the lads to come in and do bits, but they’ve all been enthusiastic with that.

“Once we get into the more serious pre-season and playing games then his role will be dependent on how things go.

“At the moment he joins as part of the coaching team but what that role will contain, we will see.”