If anyone needed any proof of Johnstone’s Paints’ ever increasing brand recognition, then just speak to Luton Town’s new cult hero. Goal king Claude Gnakpa helped his club lift the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy with a memorable extra-time strike at Wembley against Scunthorpe. The Flying Frenchman, born in Marseille, could be excused for not knowing a great deal about the company after arriving to ply his trade in English football two years ago.
But as the dust settled on Claude’s unforgettable, slow motion lob to win the competition, he admitted that he knew all about Johnstone’s Paints and the trophy itself.
He said: “I have always heard of Johnstone’s Paints, yes. It is a great company.
“I also know all about the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. When I first came to Swindon (in 2007) I remember watching the final, thinking ‘who are these two teams?’
“I thought it was a Premier League game, it looked amazing. Two years after and I am at Wembley scoring the winning goal. I can’t believe it.”
The cult figure said he was even more proud knowing that his mum, dad, brother and friends were all in the stadium cheering him on.
Moments before his goal Gnakpa had almost scored when played through in a similar passage of play.
Claude added: “When the second opportunity came, their left back was in front of me. I said to myself: Claude, you have to believe. You have to believe that you will score.
“I have always believed and now it is just a dream come true. I love Luton and I have always kept my head up since I have been here. To score the winning goal is just great.”
Luton Town fans now have the chance to vote for their man-of-the-match from the final.
The Football League awarded skipper Kevin Nicholls with the honour, but Johnstone’s want to give fans the chance to vote for their favourite player as well, refer to the homepage.
Fans will also be asked to email in their details, and one lucky supporter will win a money-can’t-buy Johnstone’s memento from the final.
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