Johnson expects hostile reception on Barnsley return

(Picture: Action Images)

Bristol City boss Lee Johnson is expecting a hostile reception when his side travel to his former employers Barnsley this weekend.

The 35-year-old head coach left Oakwell last February, after just under a year in charge of the Tykes, and many fans felt unhappy with his departure despite the fact he left having steered the club to the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final.

He did attend the final as a special guest, but when shown on the big screen was not greeted by the friendliest of receptions and told Bristol City’s website: “There were boos from the 40,000 Barnsley fans…hopefully it was in jest!

“I was very honest right the way through. Wherever I would have been, if Bristol City had come calling then I would have made the move. Bristol City is my club.

“I am expecting a hostile reception but it’s not about me, it’s about the players performing to the best of their ability.”

Having guided Barnsley to a cup final and the brink of a play-offs, Johnson’s departure left Paul Heckingbottom in charge of first-team matters, and he eventually secured the club’s return to the Championship.

It was an almost seamless transition under Heckingbottom, and Johnson said: “He’s a great guy and a great coach.

“I enjoyed working with him and they’ve continued recruiting well. Obviously I know pretty much everyone on the pitch personally this weekend.

“They’ve got some dangerous players who have stepped up well to the challenge of the Championship.”