Hotspur Hero – David Johnson

Our next Hotspur Hero has witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of coronavirus in the hospitals and care homes he frequents as a medical engineer. 

Lifelong fan David Johnson continues to work tirelessly through the pandemic, repairing and servicing crucial medical equipment that enables health professionals to care for people. 

His work has included installing beds at London’s NHS Nightingale Hospital, the first of the temporary hospitals set up to treat COVID-19 patients.

“I’m just really proud to help and I love doing it,” he told us after a shift fixing machinery at a hospital, appearing emotional at his Hotspur Hero nomination. "It has been daunting and uncomfortable, so I can’t imagine what it’s like for the patients. 

 “I’ve also felt so sad that I can be in these hospitals and care homes because I’m needed to do a job, but the patients are without their families around them.” 

It’s all a far cry from David’s usual experience at work, particularly when he visits some of his regular care homes. 

“The residents love me because I sing to them when I’m working there – they seem to really enjoy it! We’re all friends and usually we have a cup of tea together when I’ve finished the job. I haven’t been able to do that recently as most of them have been confined to their rooms, but some have started asking when I’m going to be singing again!”

He added: “The staff are fantastic too. They’ve looked after me over the years and I look after them. Whether in the hospitals, care homes or facilities for people with disabilities, they all do a magnificent job and they deserve a lot of credit.”

When it comes to the Club, David’s support is all-encompassing – all the way to his DJ Spur car number plate!

Hailing from a Spurs-supporting family and one of ten siblings, he was attracted to our playing style as a teenager and has been coming to watch us ever since.

“I’ve had so many amazing moments over the years… Glenn Hoddle’s chip against Watford in ’83, Tony Parks’ penalty save in the ’84 UEFA Cup Final… one of my favourite recent memories is Sonny’s wondergoal against Burnley. I was sat in my seat at the top of the South Stand and when I saw him get the ball I just thought, here he goes!”

David’s passion for football extends beyond Spurs into the realms of refereeing – something he has done since 1994. This culminated in a personal highlight of refereeing a charity match against Newcastle United at White Hart Lane. 

He smiled: “Just being on the pitch and hearing my whistle ring out around the stadium – it was brilliant!”

Help us highlight our #HotspurHeroes

Help us continue to champion Spurs-supporting key workers like David by nominating a Hero.

Submit your nominations by emailing hotspurheroes@tottenhamhotspur.com with the following information:

• Name of Hero and where they are based
• Occupation
• Why they are being nominated
• Photo
• Your contact details

Show your appreciation on social media too, using the hashtag #HotspurHeroes.