Six months after ending Nottingham Forest’s 23-year top-tier exile, Brennan Johnson will venture to Wales’ first World Cup since 1958. He tells FFT why Michael Sheen has their backs...
Interview Leo Moynihan
BRENNAN JOHNSON
Brennan Johnson has been learning quite a lot lately. The 21-year-old Nottingham Forest frontman has learnt that he can find the back of the net at every level, he has learnt that Premier League defenders are made from a different type of granite, and in recent years he’s learnt the words to Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, the Welsh national anthem that he will belt out with his team-mates at the World Cup.
“Yeah, I’ve given that my best and I think I have the words nailed down,” Johnson tells FourFourTwo. “There are a number of lads in the squad who aren’t ‘full Welsh’, and it is encouraged for us all to take that on, learn the song and be part of our national pride. It’s drummed into you about how much it means. As youth players with Wales, you are educated. It’s very important because that passion is so intense with the senior team, it could come as a shock when you join them.”
Born in Nottingham, Johnson has enjoyed a decent education. His father, David, was a fine forward in the years straddling the millennium, scoring goals for Ipswich and Forest among others. Brennan excelled at youth level representing England before, thanks to his Welsh mother, he switched allegiance in 2018 and chose Dragons over Lions. He’s not looked back since.
“There was something about Wales,” he admits. “My mum’s family are Welsh and were a big influence. When I got there the spirit among all the age groups was a major factor. The Under-17s, the U19s, the U21s, everybody is really close and I immediately loved being part of it. I’ve always felt at home in Wales, and with the football. As you step up through the age groups, not a lot changes. Even the first team.
“I thought it would be a huge step for me, but that closeness remains and if anything the seniors are more welcoming.”
The Welsh side of the family must have been overjoyed. “Oh they were,” he smiles, beaming with pride. “My grandparents were ecstatic – that part of my heritage is crucial. They’ve always told me how much Wales means to them – to make them proud is so special. I try to get involved. The language is difficult but I try to embrace the culture as much as I can.”
LISTENING AND LEARNING ON THE JOB
This month, Welsh culture will firmly revolve around events in the Qatari desert. Qualifying for a first World Cup in 64 years was hailed with glee, but now hearts
