Charlton Athletic are delighted to announce the signing of Melissa Johnson on a one-year deal with an option to extend.
Johnson joins the Addicks following her departure from Barclays Women’s Championship side Bristol City. The 30-year-old scored five goals for the Robins, helping her side achieve a third-place finish in the 2021/22 campaign.
Speaking on her arrival in south London, Johnson said: “I am happy to be here. This is a club with a lot of history, they are ambitious and want to create more success and I am excited to be part of it. I am looking forward to starting the season and doing what I do best.
“I have my own individual goals and as a team. I have won this league unbeaten before and it’s getting more competitive. I come with a positive attitude, experience and a winning mentality.”
Prior to signing for Bristol City, Johnson enjoyed stints with numerous clubs in the FA Women’s Championship, including Leicester City in 2018/19. In the 2019/20 campaign, Johnson helped Aston Villa achieve promotion to the Women's Super League (WSL) on a points-per-game basis with Johnson being the club's top scorer of the campaign.
“I have finished second top goalscorer twice and received many players of the month awards. I am a creative player who likes to lead from the front. I love scoring goals, assisting and contributing to win games. I am a technical and tactical player, quite direct who likes the ball in behind, or running with the ball to create goal scoring opportunities.
Following her arrival at Villa, Johnson scored three hat-tricks in their opening five games, as well as claiming the Player of the Month award in August 2019.
After securing the title with Aston Villa, Johnson signed for Sheffield United where she went on to start nine games, finding the back of the net on six occasions.
“I have enjoyed my time so far. I think being here will get the best out of me and I am always willing to improve and learn from new people. I like the style of play here which compliments the way I like to play."
The prolific centre-forward becomes Karen Hills’ ninth signing of the season as she looks to bolster her squad for an exciting upcoming season at The Oakwood.
Johnson travelled with the squad to Scotland for their pre-season tour. Netting her first Addicks goal in a friendly victory over Scottish giants, Rangers.
“We went to Scotland for a pre-season camp and that was very refreshing as I got a lot out of it. It was good to practice what we’ve been working on and to start building those important relationships on and off the pitch. I was happy to make my pre-season debut and score."
Charlton travel to Southampton on Saturday, August 20th on the opening day of the 2022/23 Barclays Women's Championship campaign.
Johnson said: “We have to start the season strong and be prepared for the first game. I am focused and making sure that I do everything I can to be ready for it."
The signing of Melissa Johnson is subject to FA approval.