Johnson takes over as Everton's record signing from James Beattie who became the most expensive player in Everton's illustrious history 18months ago when he signed for 6million from Southampton. Evertonians will be hoping Johnson handles the preussre and doesn't take as long to settle as Beattie, who only scored 1 league goal in his first 9months at Goodison Park.

Johnson has had an extremely impressive spell at Crystal Palace scoring around 80 goals in just 150 games including 21 goals in his sole season in the Premiership in 2004/5. His goal tally in the top flight led to England recognition and has since collected 2 England caps, a total he will be hoping to improve on now he has re-joined the Premiership. Johnson is unerstandably delighted at his move to Goodison Park and cannot wait to join up with his new team mates.

Johnson said, 'I find the prospects of playing for one of the biggest names in British football impossible to resist. I do believe that Everton will afford me the best opporunty to fullfil my twin ambitions of winnign major honours and again representing England at senior level.'

With the signing of Johnson, Everton now have the last 2 English strikers to score 20 league goals in the Premiership. James Beattie scored 23 in 2002/3 and Johnson 21 in 2004/5. David Moyes and all of the Evertonians will be wishing Johnson the best of luck and hoping that the Beattie-Johnson partnership can fire Everton up the table and battling for honours once again.

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