Bristol City owner Steve Lansdown has given head coach Lee Johnson a much needed vote of confidence after a run of eight straight defeats in the league.
After completing four new signings so far in the January transfer window, Lansdown has now called for everyone at Bristol City to “pull together, be stronger and work harder”.
Lansdown has been urged to sack Johnson by some fans as the Robins have plunged to 20th in the Championship table, but said in a statement posted to the club's official website that he would not make a knee-jerk decision.
“Every supporter and their opinion is valuable and respected. It is understandable that you are unhappy at the moment and frustrated by recent events,” Lansdown said.
“What I would ask you to do is channel that frustration into raucous support of the club, its management and players in order to turn things around.”
Johnson signed a long-term contract extension last month to commit to City until 2020, but the 35-year-old admitted he was ‘ashamed' after Saturday's 1-0 loss to managerless Nottingham Forest.
Adding that City were in a ‘rebuilding phase', sentiments echoed by Lansdown.
“Look at the progress we have made: our infrastructure is so much better now, as illustrated by our recent recruitment and the clear pathway we have established for our Academy players to follow and force their way into the first team,” Lansdown declared.
“We have a good squad, which we will continue to look to invest in, with the ability to entertain us and climb up the league.
“The stadium speaks for itself with improved facilities and atmosphere, but we continue with our work to develop the training ground and Academy facilities.
“I have no intention of seeing this wasted.”
Former Barnsley and Oldham Athletic manager Johnson will be looking for his first win in the league since last October when they host play-off hopefuls Sheffield Wednesday at Ashton Gate next Tuesday.
