It has become a familiar sight in recent weeks, but Nottingham Forest ace Brennan Johnson’s trademark goal celebration almost made an appearance earlier in the season.
The 20-year-old first adopted the bow-and-arrow gesture when he scored a brace in the 4-1 thumping of Blackpool last month. And it quickly became synonymous with a fine run of form which helped the Reds secure a top-six finish.
Johnson has since taken his tally for the season to 17, adding a penalty in the final game of the regular campaign against Hull City. Meanwhile, his sparkling performances have seen him crowned Championship Player of the Month for April.
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With a play-offs semi-final against Sheffield United ahead, the academy graduate will be aiming to get on the scoresheet again. But he’s not quite sure how he’ll mark the occasion if he does.
“It was actually one of my close friends who told me to do it early on in the season,” Johnson said of the Robin Hood-style celebration. “And then there was the game recently, against Blackpool, where he reminded me of it, so I did it for him. Everyone has taken to it quite well!
“I don’t really plan the celebrations, they kind of just come out. If I score it will be whatever comes into my head!”
Back in February, finding the net against Bristol City had seen Johnson mimic playing darts. He had Forest teammate Max Lowe, who is currently sidelined with a groin injury, to thank for that one.
“The dart one was another one. Loads of the lads here play darts. I’m actually not into the darts too much, but they got proper into it,” said the Wales international.
“Max Lowe said, whoever scores next has to do the dart celebration. So I just did it.”
