Ian Johnson, a tall centre half, who had been released by Northampton Town, was invited to trial by Terry Cooper in 1988/89.

"Ian Johnson, a talented 18year-old central defender, became the latest Cobblers player to have been unearthed from their link with the North East. He joined the club after winning some rave reviews playing for Gateshead."
From Cobblers Past 

At the time a number of clubs were interested in trialling Ian, including Fulham.
He played for the reserves in a 3-2 defeat by Plymouth Argyle in the Capital, Finance and Leasing League in January 1989