From League One to Premier League: An Unlikely Duo
It’s hard to fathom that just four years ago, Brennan Johnson, now a forward for Tottenham Hotspur, and Morgan Rogers, a midfielder for Aston Villa, were both honing their skills at the League One side Lincoln City. Both were young, ambitious players looking to make their mark in professional football. Johnson, despite his current stardom, was then a relatively unknown quantity, while Rogers was equally eager to prove his worth. Together, they formed a formidable partnership during the 2020/21 campaign, a period that saw Lincoln City rise to new heights.
Lincoln City’s Journey
Lincoln City, affectionately known as the Imps, have a storied history in English football, but the 2020/21 season was particularly memorable. The team achieved a 5th-place finish, a remarkable feat for a club of their stature. Their journey to the playoff final was a testament to the hard work and talent within the squad, and Johnson and Rogers were pivotal in this success. The Imps ultimately fell to Blackpool at Wembley, a heartbreak that still lingers in the minds of the Lincoln City faithful. However, the performances of Johnson and Rogers during the season were a silver lining, showcasing the potential of these young talents.
Johnson’s Prolific Season
Brennan Johnson stood out as the more prolific of the two, bagging an impressive 11 goals and contributing five assists during the 2020/21 campaign. Johnson’s attacking prowess was a key factor in Lincoln City’s success, and his performances earned him a move to League Two side Morecambe. However, it was at Lincoln City where he truly began to find his footing, developing the skills and confidence that would eventually catapult him to the Premier League. Johnson’s ability to finish and his lightning pace were already evident, making him a standout player even in the lower leagues.
Rogers’ Impact
Morgan Rogers, while not as prolific as Johnson, was no less significant. He contributed a respectable six goals and two assists, demonstrating his versatility and creativity in the midfield. Rogers’ ability to link play and his vision were crucial to Lincoln City’s attacking strategy. His partnership with Johnson was a symbiotic one, where each player complemented the other’s strengths. Rogers’ passing range and precision allowed Johnson to operate effectively in the final third, and their on-field chemistry was a joy to watch.
The Hat-Trick That Made Heads Turn
One of the most memorable moments from Johnson and Rogers’ time at Lincoln City came in April 2021, when Johnson scored an astonishing 11-minute hat-trick, all provided by assists from Rogers. This performance not only highlighted the individual talents of both players but also the incredible chemistry they shared. The hat-trick against MK Dons was a masterclass in understanding and execution, with Rogers’ pinpoint passes and Johnson’s clinical finishing on full display. The video of this moment, shared by Sky Sports Football, is a reminder of how far these players have come and the potential they always had.
A Path to the Premier League
Fast forward to the present, and the paths of Johnson and Rogers have taken vastly different turns. Johnson, after successful stints at Morecambe and eventually Nottingham Forest, joined Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2023, where he has continued to impress with his performances. Rogers, on the other hand, made his way to Aston Villa through loans and transfers, and has carved out a niche for himself as a creative midfielder in the Premier League. Their journey from Lincoln City to the highest level of English football is a remarkable tale of determination, skill, and the unexpected paths that can lead to success. The partnership they formed at Lincoln City remains a cherished memory for fans and a testament to the potential that lies within the lower leagues.
