Johnny Schofield

Who was Johnny Schofield?

John 'Johnny' Reginald Schofield was an English footballer, playing league football for Birmingham City and Wrexham.

Johnny Schofield signed a professional contract with Birmingham City in February 1950, but as second choice keeper to the legendary Gil Merrick. Schofield was one of the bravest keepers of his time, second only to the heroic Bert Trautmann and his 1956 FA Cup performance. In November 1957, Schofield survived a pit explosion at Baddesley Colliery in Warwickshire, and a fractured skull while playing in goal against Manchester United in 1960. It was in 1960 that Schofield took over as Blues’ number 1, after Merrick moved 'upstairs' to become manager of the club. As first choice keeper, Schofield played in both the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup finals against FC Barcelona and AS Roma, and also in the League Cup final of 1963, against city rivals, Aston Villa.

With advancing age, and the signing of Scott Jim Herriot, Schofield lost his place in the Birmingham team, and was transferred to Wrexham FC in 1966. After only two years, he moved on to become player-manager of Atherstone Town.