Bristol City sack their manager Lee Johnson following a dismal run of results coming as a blow to their chances of reaching the Championship playoffs.
It comes hours after the Robins suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Neil Harris’ Cardiff City on Saturday afternoon, making it nine games without a win for the Robins, and has led to the club’s decision to part with Johnson after four years at Ashton Gate.
Lee Johnson was this evening relieved of his role as Bristol City Head Coach.
Current Assistant Head Coach Dean Holden will take over immediately in a caretaker capacity as the club look to appoint a successor.
Full story: ?
— Bristol City FC (@BristolCity) July 4, 2020
The club statement read: Lee Johnson was this evening relieved of his role as Bristol City Head Coach.
Current Assistant Head Coach Dean Holden will take over immediately in a caretaker capacity as the club look to appoint a successor.
City Chief Executive Mark Ashton said: “We recognise the huge amount of work that Lee has put in over the last four-and-a-half years to move this club forward and we thank him for all his efforts. There have been some special moments over those years and Lee has played a significant part in them.
“However, success in football is ultimately judged by results and league position and the Board believes that a change of management is needed now for Bristol City.”
The club will be making no further comment at this stage as we prepare for next Wednesday’s Sky Bet Championship match against Hull City.
View this post on Instagram
Johnson has been with the Robins since 2016 after previously managing Barnsley and Oldham Athletic, both in League One at the time.
His record at City was 84 wins, 54 draws and 79 defeats, giving him a win % of 38.7. For his time at Barnsley, it was 39.2% and at Oldham, 35.0%.
He led the Tykes to the EFL Trophy Final in 2016, in which his successor Paul Heckingbottom managed to claim the cup win.
In the 2017–18 season, Johnson led the club to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup, defeating several Premier League clubs in the lead up, notably defeating José Mourinho’s Manchester United. During the semis, Bristol City exited the competition after a 3–5 aggregate defeat to eventual champions Manchester City, a game in which saw Pep Guardiola praise Johnson for his side’s style of play.
In May 2019, he signed a new four-year contract with the Robins, keeping him until the summer of 2023.
He has guided the club to finishes of 18th (15/16), 17th (16/17), 11th (17/18) and 8th (18/19) – and this season, they currently sit 12th in the Championship table, just nine points off the playoffs with five games remaining.
Fans gave their reaction to the news that Bristol City sack their manager…
Thank you for everything LJ. You’ve transformed this club but this feels like the right time for us to part. Good luck with everything ? pic.twitter.com/jV09BzgDrO
— BS3 Talk (@BS3Talk) July 4, 2020
Warnock gone after last derby loss and now LJ. Right decision. Big decision now..
— Bristol City FC Supporters Page (@BCFC_Supporters) July 4, 2020
Getting on the piss let’s have itttttt
— kelsie (@kelsie_batten17) July 4, 2020
He must be a little disappointed. Too many shortfalls though, couldn’t quite reach the heights.
— Bobby (@bobby_wilson1) July 4, 2020
Thanks for the memories Lee ?⚪️
— Mikey (@MikeyCobban) July 4, 2020
The club is in a much better position than when he took over and that is a massive achievement. The fact that he wasn’t the guy to take us beyond is secondary imo.
— Terry (@UndeckedMoth) July 4, 2020
Day 1 at Charlton. I think we should be thanking him for what he’s done and keep it in perspective. It’s been painful this season for sure but the personal abuse aimed directly at him is disgusting and embarrassing. I hope as fans we show some class. #bekind it’s sport pic.twitter.com/hfCkJYnFuq
— Matt A Collins (@mattacollinseng) July 4, 2020
people being happy is completely justified given the recent run of form but can we at least give him some credit for what he’s done at this club. at some points we’ve played some decent football, and i mean we didn’t get relegated we had some decent finishes and ofc Man U match
— GWATS (@gwatsTV) July 4, 2020
— The Leckwith Mole (@TheLeckwithMole) July 4, 2020
@Leetomlin10 drinks on us lad
— jason (@jason_loach) July 4, 2020
Thank you Lee – no one will ever forget your contribution to the club and great times ( mainly on the road ) and in the carabo cup – took us as far as you could – Take a bow ??♂️ Sir and thanks from me
— Oliver City Dog (@BCFCOLIVERDOG) July 4, 2020
Cheers lads, got my wank material for tonight ??
— Jack (@BonkersBamford) July 4, 2020
Wow… firstly I think it had to happen.. gone very stale
Secondly all the best in the future Lee.. he has massively stabilised us in this division.. some great wins and improvement season on season.. and of course that cup run… but a change now is needed
— James (@jamw77) July 4, 2020
Wow didn’t think this would actually happen, thanks for everything Lee but right time for fresh man to take over.
— Kev (@kpcider) July 4, 2020
Best of luck @LeeJohnsonCoach – Sorry to see you go. Thanks for the good times. Beating Man U being one of the best. #KeepOnBouncing
— Dave Sawyer (@DaveSawyer74) July 4, 2020
Thank you lee for getting us to where we are but unfortunately you couldn’t take us further
— Ben Kinsman (@BenKinsman10) July 4, 2020
Thanks for everything Lee. Made us a stable Championship club. We’ve seen some great players pass through and developed players into premier league starters. Toppled Mourinho and went toe to toe with Pep. A manager that loved the club he worked for dont get many of them
— Tom Langridge (@BristolRed23) July 4, 2020
You must be logged in to post a comment Login