CONFIRMED: Lee Johnson leaves Barnsley to become Bristol City boss

Barnsley are searching for a new manager after Bristol City confirmed Lee Johnson as boss today.
Lee Johnston has left Barnsley to join Bristol City as managerLee Johnston has left Barnsley to join Bristol City as manager
Lee Johnston has left Barnsley to join Bristol City as manager

Johnson led the Reds to Wembley after a penalty shoot out win over Fleetwood in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on Thursday night but soon after it was confirmed that he had been granted permission to speak with Bristol City regarding the vacant managerial post.

On Saturday afternoon, City released a statement announcing Johnston, who made nearly 200 appearances for the club as a player, as having taken over on a three and a half year deal.

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City’s chief operating officer Mark Ashton said: “Lee is a very bright, intelligent young man who is highly motivated and very detailed in his approach. He’s well-known to the club; fans, stakeholders and staff. “He is one of the up and coming coaches in the country and having interviewed him, I had no hesitation in recommending to the Board that Lee is the right fit for this football club. “Lee also has the advantage of knowing Bristol City very well and will be able to fit seamlessly back into Ashton Gate. “There are substantial synergies in the way that we think and the way that we believe football departments should be operated. “We’ll work together to build this football club for sustainable success.” He added: “I’d like to thank Barnsley FC for their professionalism, allowing us to speak to and subsequently appoint Lee.”

Barnsley also released a statement on their website, which read: "We have been advised by Lee Johnson that he wishes to join Bristol City. Barnsley Football Club have accepted his decision and agreed proper compensation with Bristol City. We are very grateful to Lee for his hard work and commitment at Barnsley Football Club, which culminated in us reaching the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final. We wish him every success in his new role. For the time being, Paul Heckingbottom and Tommy Wright will take responsibility for first-team matters. The Club will make further statements to fans as appropriate."