Football / Bristol City
‘Johnson seems to have lost supporters’
To sack, or not to sack. That is not necessarily ‘the’ question when it comes to Lee Johnson, not for me at least. Well, not until Wednesday night. It is, however, the question for many who support our beloved team and indeed sides across the country.
The short-termism of modern day culture and the need for results yesterday has led to an unprecedented managerial sackings in recent times.
No fewer that nine of the 24 managers that started this season’s campaign have picked up their P45s, and with the exception of Steve McClaren at Derby and Neil Warnock at Cardiff, most sides’ fortunes have not shown dramatic improvement.
Some clubs, such as Birmingham City, have actually seen their plight take a dramatic nosedive following the sacking of the much-admired Gary Rowett, and after the slightly odd appointment of Gianfranco Zola.
As I heard on the radio at the time, I think the new owners at Birmingham thought Zola looked better in a selfie than Rowett and hence the change. So, what does this mean for our current embittered boss?
Well, firstly, it’s clear that changing the man (or woman) at the top doesn’t always mean a turn of fortunes; often the opposite. But I think it is also fair to say that each case should be taken individually.
I am still not in favour of just sacking Johnson without having a replacement lined up, especially at this stage of the season. Having said that, Wednesday night did alter my opinion as to whether he should continue as Bristol City manager.
It is therefore, and with a heavy heart, time for Lansdown and co. to start that search. Johnson seems to have lost the majority of supporters and potentially the dressing room too.
It remains to be seen whether or not the board will call time on Lee, but I have a feeling we might be seeing a new man in charge by the time City next take to the field at Ashton Gate on March 4th against Burton.
The performance itself doesn’t even warrant too much discussion: it was awful and rightly labelled so many by of the fans. I have no objection to fans booing at both the half- and full-time whistles.
I did, however, take offence to fans singing “you’re getting sacked in the morning” and “we want Johnson out” during the game itself.
Despite fans’ clear misgivings for the current boss, such behaviour certainly doesn’t help the players, and more-than-likely adds to the already dire-straits in which they find themselves in.
As to who we will get it is hard to say. Pardew and Rowett spring to mind as being out of work and high profile, but would either join a potentially sinking ship?
I would like City to think big rather than going for a safe or obvious choice. At the time of Johnson’s appointment, Gary Monk was also out of work. Who knows if he would have joined us, but when you look at how well Leeds are doing, it does make me pretty envious.
Good luck to the 2000+ fans heading up to Newcastle and then Aston Villa this weekend and Tuesday. I hope the players can prove me and others wrong with a couple of quality performances, and maybe a point or two – but we’ll see.
Most of all, I hope the fans support the team and leave any grievances with the boss until after the match.
Read more: ‘The spectre of relegation looks very real’
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