Johnson wishes City well
LEE Johnson has paid tribute to the Lansdown family, CEO Mark Ashton, his players and the fans of Bristol City in a statement released to the League Managers Association, writes James Piercy.
Johnson ended his four-and-a-half years in charge of City on Saturday as he was “relieved of his role” within 90 minutes of the Robins 1-0 defeat to Cardiff City. The 39-year-old had maintained a silence since but shortly before City’s Championship game with Hull City last night, Johnson delivered a statement.
Johnson was brought in by Steve Lansdown and Ashton in February 2016 and after maintaining their Championship status, improved their league position each season and reached the semifinals of the League Cup in 2017/18. However, the next step for City was to reach the play-offs this season, but that appears to have eluded them after a run of nine matches without a win.
In the statement, Johnson said: “I would like to thank Steve and Maggie Lansdown, as well as the Lansdown family, for giving me the opportunity to manage such a great club, realising a personal ambition of mine.
“Thank you also to the Board of Directors for their strong support throughout. A special mention to Mark Ashton who I have enjoyed an excellent day-to-day relationship with, both as a friend and a colleague.
“At Bristol City I have worked with a fantastic staff and shared so many great times in my tenure. I am extremely proud of the work done. I will never forget the scenes of a packed Ashton Gate and the fans waving their metallic style red and silver flags in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup versus Manchester City.”
He added: “Thank you to the players for their attitude and application in training. The culture and learning environment we have created has allowed us to trade, nurture and compete. The club has a great future with many young talented players on the books.”
In conclusion he said: “A thank-you to the fans. During nearly 10 years at the club, over two spells, I have met many wonderful Bristol City supporters and have always had brilliant interactions with the passionate people in and around the city. Thank you for the way you have treated me and my family.
“I wish the club, my successor and everyone connected with Bristol City every success in the future!”