Ex-Bristol City boss makes swift return to management after sacking

Former Bristol City manager Lee Johnson has returned to English football, having been sacked by Hibernian earlier this month.

Johnson's 15-month spell at Easter Road was brought to an end following a poor run of form, which left the Hibees bottom of the Scottish Premiership. The 42-year-old however is back in the saddle just 14 days after his sacking however as he replaces former Celtic star Scott Brown in the hot seat at League One outfit Fleetwood Town.

It is unsure yet what Johnson’s backroom staff will look like, but during his time at Hibernian he was supported by Jamie McAllister who spent six-years as a player at Ashton Gate. McAllister senior's son Reuben remains at Hibs having joined for a six-figure fee from Bristol City in the summer of 2022.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be here,” said Johnson to the official club website after being appointed.

“I’m not long out of a job and I’ve been humbled that the club made such a big effort to get me here but, at the same time, I’ve known Fleetwood for a long time. I’ve watched the journey, which has been fantastic for the football club, and I want to be part of the new era by helping the success continue.

“I’ve had good friends who have managed here, and they all spoke well about the club, that’s not just the fanbase and the players, but the people around the place as well. I’m looking forward to getting down and dirty with the players, the people around the building, and the staff.”

Fleetwood will be Johnson’s sixth club and the fifth English outfit that he has managed. He began wih Oldham Athletic, and later moved on to Barnsley before taking charge of Bristol City, where he followed in the foot steps of his father Gary.

He was appointed manager of Sunderland a few months after his sacking at Bristol City, but was sacked having failed to deliver promotion to the Black Cats, and then he went to Hibs where he helped them qualify for the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.

A date for the diary is Saturday, November 18, when Johnson returns to Bristol albeit the blue side when he takes his Fleetwood Town side to the Memorial Stadium to face Bristol Rovers.