Background
Morrissey was born in Liverpool, and began his football career as a junior with Liverpool F.C., signing professional forms when he turned 17, and making his debut in September 1957.
Morrissey was born in Liverpool, and began his football career as a junior with Liverpool F.C., signing professional forms when he turned 17, and making his debut in September 1957.
He played as an outside left, and was unable to dislodge Alan A"Court from that position in the first team In 1962 he "crossed the park" to join Everton for a fee of £10,000, sold without manager Bill Shankly"s knowledge. He scored on his Everton debut, in the first league Merseyside derby in 11 seasons, which finished as a 2–2 draw, and went on to help the club to the First Division title in his first season.
In 10 years with Everton, Morrissey scored 50 goals from 314 games in all competitions.
Despite his small stature Morrissey had a reputation as an uncompromising player, Jimmy Greaves once commenting that he "always got the retaliation in first!". Johnny Giles, however, whilst later recognising Morrissey"s unflinching style, commented first on him: "Well Johnny Morrissey, first of all, was a top-class player.
He was a terrific player."
He finished his career with a brief stay at Oldham Athletic, which brought his total of League appearances over the 300 mark.