BRISTOL CITY have sacked Lee Johnson following their 1-0 defeat to Cardiff.
The setback all but ended their faint hopes of reaching the Championship play-offs.
Lee Johnson has been sacked by Bristol CityCredit: PA:Press Association
But Danny Ward’s late strike was enough to seal the points for the Bluebirds and end Johnson’s four-and-a-half year reign as boss.
A club statement read: “Lee Johnson was this evening relieved of his role as Bristol City head coach.
“Current assistant head coach Dean Holden will take over immediately in a caretaker capacity as the club look to appoint a successor.”
The Robins have begun the season restart with four straight defeats to leave them nine points off the top six.
Pressure had been mounting on Johnson over the poor run and his perceived negative tactics.
But CEO Mark Ashton thanked the 39-year-old for his efforts at the club, which included leading them to the League Cup semi-finals in 2018.
He said: “We recognise the huge amount of work that Lee has put in over the last four-and-a-half years to move this club forward and we thank him for all his efforts.
“There have been some special moments over those years and Lee has played a significant part in them.
“However, success in football is ultimately judged by results and league position and the Board believes that a change of management is needed now for Bristol City.”
City are now nine points off the top six with five matches remaining.
Bristol City manager Lee Johnson explains ballboy celebration after Carabao Cup win against Manchester United
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
