Barry Johnston (footballer)


Barry Johnston is a former Irish footballer.
After serving the best of apprenticeships at Celtic Boys under Jim 'Dino' Heaney, Johnston believed he could cut it as a tricky winger when he joined Cliftonville's U18 set-up. Big 'Dino', though, felt his best position was a defensive one sweeper or right back.
An horrific broken leg suffered in his younger days made him re-appraise his attitude towards football. He still has nine screws and a steel plate anchored to his marrow.
Before his professional career, Johnston had two-year scholarship in the United States in New Orleans with William Carey College.
The day he returned from his two-year sabbatical in the States, he contacted Marty Quinn about hooking up with him at Coleraine.
However, the chances of assuming his new-found central midfield role - occupied by Pat McAllister and Tony Gorman at Ballycastle Road at the time - were slim. Johnston had to make do with a wide midfield position while with the Bannsiders, but he was even deprived of that role for the 2003 Irish Cup final against Glentoran.
He moved to Coleraine in October 2002 where he reached two IFA Cup Finals in 2003 and 2004 against the same opposition Glentoran winning one and losing one.
Johnston moved back to Cliftonville in January 2006. Lost another IFA Cup Final in May 2009 against Crusaders.
He signed for Rovers after impressing in guest appearances against Newcastle and Hibs. making his competitive debut in a win over Derry City at Tallaght Stadium.
Johnston returned north to sign for Glenavon in December 2009..
He then signed for Cliftonville for the third time in September 2010..
Johnston scored Cliftonville's equaliser against The New Saints in the 2011–12 UEFA Europa League.
In July 2015, Johnston moved to newly promoted Carrick Rangers. Johnston moved due to a knee injury which prevented him from playing as much on artificial turf.
Johnston retired in 2016 and joined the Cliftonville backroom staff in March 2018.

Honours