Lenny Johnrose facts for kids
![]() Johnrose with Burnley
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Personal information | |||
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Full name | Leonard Johnrose | ||
Date of birth | 29 November 1969 | ||
Place of birth | Preston, Lancashire, England | ||
Date of death | 15 August 2022 | (aged 52)||
Playing position | Defensive midfielder | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
1988–1992 | Blackburn Rovers | 42 | (11) |
1992 | → Preston North End (loan) | 3 | (1) |
1992–1993 | Hartlepool United | 66 | (11) |
1993–1999 | Bury | 188 | (20) |
1999–2002 | Burnley | 71 | (4) |
2002 | Burnley | 6 | (0) |
2002–2003 | Bury | 6 | (0) |
2003–2004 | Swansea City | 40 | (3) |
2004 | Burnley | 7 | (0) |
Total | 430 | (50) | |
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Leonard Johnrose (born 29 November 1969 – died 15 August 2022) was an English football player. He was known for being a strong defensive midfielder. Lenny played for several well-known clubs, including Burnley, Bury, and Swansea City.
Contents
Lenny Johnrose's Football Journey
Lenny Johnrose started his football career as a young player at Blackburn Rovers. He also played for Preston North End for a short time. His good play caught the eye of Hartlepool United, who signed him for £50,000. He played over 50 games for Hartlepool and scored 11 goals.
Rising with Bury F.C.
After his time at Hartlepool, Lenny joined Bury. The manager, Stan Ternent, wanted a tough player for his midfield, and Lenny was perfect. He became a very important player as Bury quickly moved up to the First Division.
Moving to Burnley F.C.
Lenny was so important to his team that when Stan Ternent moved to Burnley, he paid £225,000 to bring Lenny with him. Lenny played for Burnley until the end of the 2002–03 season. He was released, but then signed again a few months later.
Saving Swansea City F.C.
Lenny then moved to Swansea City. He helped Swansea City avoid being relegated from the Third Division. This meant they stayed in the Football League. He scored three very important goals that season.
Crucial Goals for Swansea
Two of his goals in March helped Swansea get a draw against Kidderminster and a win against Oxford. His most important goal for Swansea came on the last day of the 2002–2003 season. Swansea City needed to get a result as good as or better than Exeter City's game.
Lenny scored from a Roberto Martinez free-kick. This goal put Swansea 3–2 ahead against Hull City. Swansea won the game 4–2, and this helped them stay in the league, while Exeter City was relegated.
Later Career
In the summer of 2003, Lenny was offered a new contract with Swansea. He started the 2003–2004 season playing as a centre-half, which was a new position for him. After an injury, he went back to his usual role as a defensive central midfielder.
In March 2004, Lenny left Swansea City. He then signed for Burnley for a third time on the last day of the transfer window.
Life After Football
After he stopped playing football, Lenny Johnrose became a teacher.
Battling Illness
In March 2017, Lenny was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. This is a serious condition that affects the brain and nerves.
After he shared his story about living with motor neurone disease, two people named Gareth Winston and Lee Trundle organized a special football game. Swansea City legends played in the game to support Lenny. He sadly passed away on 15 August 2022, at the age of 52.