Lee Johnson's job is on the line at Bristol City - how likely is it Steve Lansdown will take action? By a_stockhausen Some fans have been calling for Lee Johnson to be relieved of his duties as head coach for weeks now. The time when those responsible for hiring and firing at Ashton Gate may feel inclined to take that drastic step could now be at hand. There is no polite way of dressing it up and prevarication is no longer a viable option; quite simply, Johnson requires victory over fellow Championship strugglers Burton Albion on Saturday if he is to guarantee still being behind his desk at the start of next week. City majority shareholder Steve Lansdown offered his thoughts on the burning issue of the day when addressing a business conference at Ashton gate last Friday. Responding to unfounded rumours perpetrated on various social media platforms, the financial services billionaire sought to clear the air by insisting Johnson would be at the helm for upcoming games against Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Burton. Since then, the Robins have gained a notable point at Championship leaders Newcastle and sustained a 2-0 reverse at Villa Park, their 11th defeat in 15 Championship outings dating back to December 10. Rather tellingly, Lansdown declined to project beyond this Saturday's home fixture against Burton. The inference is clear; another defeat in front of an already frustrated home crowd would surely render the head coach's position untenable. Almost 13 months to the day since he first took over at the helm, Johnson is facing the ultimate crunch for any football manager. His job is now on the line and everybody with an interest in City knows it. Mentally strong and unwavering in the belief that he can lead City to safety, he can be depended upon to fight tooth and nail to deliver the victory that will buy him priceless time and alleviate some of the pressure being felt by players whose confidence has been undermined by the corrosive effect of multiple defeats. More than ever before, he needs to get his team selection and tactics right for a contest in which the outcome is all that really matters. He needs to fall back upon those who have the stomach for the fight and can be relied upon to leave nothing on the pitch. Make no mistake, beating Burton is far from straightforward, especially given the toxic atmosphere that provided such a pressurised backdrop to last week's 2-0 home defeat to Fulham. In the event that Johnson's fate becomes the primary focus of a majority of those inside Ashton Gate rather than the team itself, the fans run the risk of creating a level of anxiety that stifles self-expression and limits performance. Now is the time to give wholehearted backing to the eleven men who cross the white line. http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/lee-jo...-take-action/story-30171679-detail/story.html
Two smug grins taking care of one another and treating us like idiots, so don't expect Lee to leave the building any time this season. Lansdown made his bed by hiring Lee and he will not look for a new sleeping partner just in case their face doesn't fit either. The whole situation is a farce beyond belief and the villain of the plot is Steve Lansdown and so it has been for many years and don't waste your time and effort in trying to change him because clearly he won't, and isn't listening. This could be another relegation season and I think all the life has been sucked out of the team due to lack of interest by all parties. It could have been so different but I have now come to the realisation that it never will under Steve Lansdown so firing Lee will not answer the problems that lie deep within.
They can both ride off into the sunset holding hands as far as I'm concerned. I have zero faith in both of them
I think a lot more previously undecided are joining forces with the real critics and the one thing that I find galling is they just can't accept that it is not working no matter which way you count the numbers. Bristol City supporters deserve better than this constant stream of bullshit coming from the management clearly showing to me that they haven't got a clue what they are doing, not just in the league table stakes, but the honest hard working people who pay to watch this catastrophic crash and burn show week in and week out in all kinds of weather. Shame on you Lansdown.
Oh, for a moment I thought that this was an official statement from the club. I don't see how Stockhausen can threaten to sack LJ - doesn't that have to be SL?
I don't think Stockhausen was threatening anyone he was just stating the inference from Lansdowns earlier pathetic interview on TV.. ' Rather tellingly, Lansdown declined to project beyond this Saturday's home fixture against Burton. The inference is clear; another defeat in front of an already frustrated home crowd would surely render the head coach's position untenable.'
I can see it now headline " Johnson gone for a Burton!". Thought I would give the evening post their next header. Time is running out and still the wait goes on.
Remember Gary Johnson - He had threatened to "bare his backside in a Burton's shop window" if Fontaine broke his duck. He never kept his word, They never learn these Johnson's...
Sad but I have started to think what else I will do on Saturdays next season. The thought of going down is one I cannot stomach, especially when it is down to gross incompetence.
SL as far as I'm concerned has brought this situation upon himself. Thousands will not renew STs next season in league one. Me I will not be,I have decided on that, after 19 years purchasing every time. SL can take his billions and spend it elsewhere. Always going for the cheap option regards managers. Always said the most important requirements are a successful football team,with a quality manager orchestrating. I really am amazed how SL made his money. Hope his fund managers, are better than his football managers.
So, LJ's future will be decided with the result against Burton this weekend. Lansdown knows how to pick them. Burton's home gates are akin to Yeovil's time in the Championship - yes Yeovil. Clough is bemoaning his injury problems for this weekend as well. So, in all probability the runt will still be in charge for the time being - delaying the inevitable. Cheers Steve.
Not being provocative mate but I would have thought under normal circmstances LJ would be gone already, how long will SL play the stubborn fool, I have ultimate respect for Lansdown but he is on one for some reason with LJ and it's not working out, we are all being mugged, except LJ, and he is laughing..
And who would take his place ? If we are going to have a caretaker then he may as well stay until the end
The problem for SL is, if he sacks LJ now, we're right back to this time last year when he sacked SC brought in LJ, we had 'the bounce' and stayed up. LJ was then given money to get his players in and talked about the '3 transfer windows' to shape the team. If a new manager comes in now, he will likely want to shake things up for next season in terms of players (and given how most of the team have performed this season who would blame them), so SL hands over yet more cash, and yet again resets the '3 transfer window' target, with no further gaurentee that any potential bounce a new manager has this season (if indeed they even do) will prove anymore effective long term that what he already has now, or at any point in the last twice we have been at this level. SL clearly thinks that is a bad strategy, which it is, however, it would appear as every games goes by sticking with LJ and getting relegated is an even riskier one. The upcoming games against Burton & Wigan are crucial, anything less than 2 wins and we are really in the mire, and his hand will surely have to be forced.
Bristol Post are saying he will be sacked if we lose to Burton, which by my reckoning is not a very good source according to 606 posters, and way too late. Can we take this as a sign that he will be here at the end of the season if he wins?
if he isn't sacked then the EP next headline .... SL takes the Biscuit ... the wheels on the wagon haven't fallen off yet!
