Johnson joins Knights revival

Former Socceroo midfielder Richard Johnson has left the Newcastle United Jets to sign a two-year deal with A-League strugglers New Zealand.

The acquisition of Johnson, 31, heralds something of a change for the Kiwi club, with the ex-Watford star bringing a wealth of overseas experience to a club sorely lacking in leadership.

The Knights had a horror first season in the A-League, winning just one game and attracting paltry crowds to their matches - a stark contrast to the rest of the competition.

"I was in the fortunate position of having a few options to consider but decided to go with the Knights given the potential the club has to make a genuine impact in the A- League, but also on the game in New Zealand," Johnson said in a club statement.

"My discussions with CEO Steve O'Hara further confirmed that the work being carried out at the club on and off the park will see us in good stead this year and beyond."

Johnson played 20 games for the Jets last season and scored two goals, and the Hunter native was largely expected to retain his spot on the Newcastle roster.

However, with Newcastle manager Richard Money looking to re-shape his squad and build for the future, Johnson was deemed surplus to requirements and allowed to find a new club.

New Zealand Manager John Adshead was full of praise for his new signing.

"Richard is without doubt a quality player who added a great deal to the A-League last season with Newcastle," Adshead said.

"He is everything we lacked at times last season - a big, strong, powerful, holding midfielder player who will add real steel that we were missing for the majority of last season."

"He also brings a wealth of experience to the club and will provide great leadership to those around him."

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