James Johnson becomes new FFA chairman, replacing David Gallop

Football Federation Australia’s new chief executive will take over from David Gallop in January.

New FFA chairman James Johnson.

James Johnson has been named Football Federation Australia’s new chief executive and will take over from David Gallop in January.

A lawyer and a former professional player, Johnson has worked for FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation and Professional Footballers Australia.

He played for the Brisbane Strikers in the old National Soccer League before working at the PFA.

FFA chairman Chris Nikou says Johnson was the stand-out in a strong field of international and domestic candidates.

Johnson’s supporters talk about the skin he has in the game having grown up in rural Queensland and having played the game at grassroots level. He rose to play for the Joeys and only missed out on playing at the under-17s World Cup in 1999 through injury on the eve of the tournament.

“Something I remember very clearly was that James was one of those players who’s super-professional, hardworking and intelligent,” said Jess Vanstrattan, now the Mariners goalkeeping coach but a teammate of Johnson’s in that Joeys side.

“He was a skilful player but he was a good guy too, and popular, good to have in the team.

We were only 16 back then but he had an air about him that meant his career since has been no surprise. If he is appointed, I think it will be so important for us to have a football person at the helm of the game. He’s lived it for 30 years or more.”

Departing FFA chairman David Gallop. Picture: AAP

Known as “JJ” at his club, Brisbane Strikers, Johnson’s career was halted through injury and he joined the players’ union, or PFA, as player relations executive — working, ironically, under then PFA chief executive Brendan Schwab, whom he beat to the FFA CEO role this week.

Two years at the AFC followed, before he took up a role at FIFA. People who have worked with him in that context say Johnson’s style is “collegiate” and “consensus building”, qualities that will be tested in his new role bringing together Australian soccer’s competing interests.

“He’ll seek engagement and consultation on an issue rather than bring a predetermined view,” said one. “He’s a smart guy, people find him easy to get on with.”

One of his most pressing tasks will be the appointment of key management staff at FFA after a host of resignations.

“He has to get the right people on board,” said one influential person. “That will go a long way to defining how successful his tenure is.”

Additional reporting: AAP