Former West Brom teammates Andy Johnson and Jonathan Greening’s wild pranks included cotton wool and dead mice

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Andy Johnson and Jonathan Greening were more than just midfield partners for West Bromwich Albion; they were co-conspirators. 

Away from the more serious atmosphere surrounding the newly appointed manager Ryan Mason these days, there was a time at the Hawthorns when pranks and silliness away from the pitch were commonplace, thanks to Johnson and Greening.

Their shared love for inventing elaborate plans was as noteworthy as their contributions on the pitch. 

The pinnacle of their mischievous endeavours, the unbelievable “cotton wool and dead mice” incident, as hilariously recounted on the ‘Undr the Cosh Podcast,’ perfectly shows their commitment to prank warfare.

Their off-field antics became as much a part of their legacy as their midfield performances, painting a picture of two players whose talents for both football and mischief were equally memorable.

Andy Johnson’s mice prank on teammate Jonathan Greening 

Johnson was reflecting on his cheeky antics during his time at West Brom and was asked if he ever pulled any pranks on Jonathan Greening. 

“Loads,” Johnson replied, which left hosts Jon Parkin, Chris Brown and Jack Carroll in fits of laughter. 

“I don’t like cotton wool,” Johnson began.

“So I’ve come in from training and someone has filled my wash bag, the pockets of my clothes and all that. So I don’t know who’s done it, so everyone is getting it. I went home and had someone empty my pockets.

“I haven’t said anything because I don’t know who’s done it. For six or eight weeks I lived out in the countryside, and I set traps all over the place for dead animals. So I’m not joking, I had about 60 or 70 mice.

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“I’ve collected them and they’re rotten. I peppered everybody, dead mice in their wash bags. Jonathan’s car, in the glove box, he’s picking the kids up and it stinks.

“On the engine block, in places where he can’t find them, I’ve stuck them in the radiator. I peppered him and taught him never to do it again.” 

Despite Johnson not confirming if he knew who had pranked him in the first place, Greening has previously given his side of the antics, telling Birmingham Live:

“The best prank that’s been played on me was definitely by Andy Johnson in revenge,” Greening explained.

“He is totally scared of cotton wool, properly petrified, and if he sees a bit of it, he’ll run out of the room. 

“So we filled all his trainers and boots with cotton wool and he went mental. I’ve never seen anything like it. “I thought it was a joke at first but he was nearly crying.

“It was funny to see from a 33-year-old man who is supposed to be hard. But the next day I came into work, went back after training to my car and found he’d tied loads of mice to my aerial and all around my Mini.

“I had to drive back to Sutton Coldfield, with 25 mice all over my car. They were all dead. He’d got them out of his garage, and I couldn’t believe it. 

“I was laughing my head off. It was good banter, but my missus wasn’t very happy.”

Andy Johnson and Jonathan Greening’s time at West Brom 

Johnson and Greening were influential midfielders who both enjoyed significant spells at West Bromwich Albion. 

Johnson arrived in 2001 and was a strong presence in the middle of the park, contributing to two promotion-winning sides in 2002 and 2004 before departing in 2006.

Greening joined in 2004 and became a fan favourite, particularly for his passing and leadership qualities. 

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He was named Player of the Year in 2006 and later captained the Baggies to another Premier League promotion in 2008, remaining a key figure until his departure in 2010.

For two seasons, from 2004 to 2006, Johnson and Greening formed a dynamic midfield partnership at the Hawthorns, working tirelessly for the team in the Premier League.

Their contrasting but complementary styles in midfield coupled with their close bond off the pitch, made them popular figures during a successful era for the club.

In contrast to this season, West Brom finished 9th in the Championship with 64 points. They missed out on the play-offs narrowly, with the chairman sharing a message with the West Brom fans.