Bristol City manager Gary Johnson leaves the club

by Paul K. West. Published Mon 22 Mar 2010 15:24, Last updated: 2010-03-22

Gary Johnson

Gary Johnson and Bristol City Football Club have mutually agreed to part ways after a five year partnership.

Johnson joined Bristol City in September 2005 after a previous successful spell at Yeovil Town FC.

He was instantly popular with the fans due to his immediate success at the club. During his first full season Johnson got the club promoted from the First Division into the Championship.

The following year he saw the club finish fourth in the Championship, reaching their highest league placing for 32 years.

Critics have rounded on the manager of late and he has become haunted by his own success, unable to repeat these great results.

Recent times has seen City slump to mid-table, finishing in 10th position last year and currently placing 15th this season.

Johnson told BBC Radio Bristol, "The last couple of months has been a difficult time for the club and the players.

"We have all been under pressure to sustain a challenge in what is a very, very difficult league."

He went on to admit his 'biggest regret is, of course, not winning the play off final.'

On behalf of Fans of the club and the people of this city we want say thank you to Gary Johnson, for turning heads in football towards the city of Bristol.