Lee Johnson Gives an Insight # 3

Exclusive: Bristol City boss Lee Johnson opens up on relationship with Steve Lansdown

Robins' head coach explains that the majority share holder is a brilliant 'dirty winner'
Head coach LJ has opened up on his relationship with club majority share holder Steve Lansdown, who he regards as a 'mentor' in his career.

The 36-year-old was speaking as part of an exclusive interview with the Bristol Post, published later today.
As well as explaining the respect he holds for the billionaire, he also spoke about the strong bond between himself, Lansdown and chief operating officer Mark Ashton.
"For me, he’s [Steve] definitely a mentor obviously with all he’s seen and done. Not just in football but in life," explained Johnson.

"You respect someone instantly like that – a self-made billionaire. That’s an amazing achievement. He’s tough, he’s really tough. He’s got that winning mentality deep down.

"He’s very elegant on the outside but inside he’s a dirty winner. And that’s what I really like about him," said Johnson.

Lansdown helped Johnson to get his first break in management when at Oldham, and the pair have been close for a long time.
Johnson also spoke about the relationship between the senior hierarchy (Ashton, Lansdown and himself) at the top of the club.

"We challenge each other. Obviously Steve's the king of the castle. We know that, this is his club, he's the owner, we respect him hugely, not just as a boss and owner but as a man. He's a great man and the Lansdowns are a lovely family.
"And that's important as well because that filters down. And for me, you just want to do your very best and work hard to deliver the job that everybody wants."

Elaborating on the help that he received from Lansdown to land the Oldham post, Johnson explained that it was always a goal to eventually manage the Robins.
"I always had the dream and the goal to get to Bristol City one day but that was neither here nor there until you've earned your stripes.

"And I think that Steve was great - but not just Steve, but Keith Dawe has always been excellent with me, Jon Lansdown, Ernie [Ernie Arathoon], these are people and men that I've kept in contact with over the period of five or six years I've been in management.
"Not to set up a Bristol City move but because I respect them and what they've done in the game. And it's the same with various people.
"If they're good people, they'll give you the advice that's required to help you kick on and become better as a manager or a leader," explained Johnson.

http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/exclusive-bristol-city-boss-lee-212986

 

Good comment, good sound bite .
"He’s very elegant on the outside but inside he’s a dirty winner.