Johnson Is New Reds Head Coach
Last updated : 25 February 2015 By Alastair Limb (tykesmad)
Barnsley FC have appointed Oldham Athletic manager Lee Johnson as their new Head Coach on a three and a half year contract.
33-year-old Johnson brings with him his assistant Tommy Wright, who has been given the title of 'Assistant Head Coach'. The two clubs agreed a compensation packet for the pair, who both attended the Reds 1-0 win at Scunthorpe United last night.
He took charge at Oldham in March 2013 and presided over 103 games in charge of the Latics, winning 36, drawing 32 and losing 35. He leaves the club seven places but only two points better off than the Reds.
Johnson's playing career took him from Brighton (0 appearances), Yeovil, playing under his father Gary (192 appearances), Hearts (4 appearances), Bristol City, again under father Gary (174 appearances), loan spells with Derby and Chesterfield, before he ended his career back in Scotland with Kilmarnock.
The Reds sacked Danny Wilson just under two weeks ago and caretakers Mark Burton and Paul Heckingbottom have overseen one defeat (5-1 at Crawley) and two wins (2-0 vs Crewe, and last night's 1-0 win over Scunthorpe).
They will continue at the club in their previous roles along with goalkeeper coach Mark Crossley.
A statement on the official Barnsley FC website read:
Barnsley Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Lee Johnson as Head Coach with immediate effect and under a contract until 30 June 2018. Lee was a midfield player, primarily with Yeovil and Bristol City and he joins the Reds from Oldham Athletic where he was first team manager. He will bring with him Tommy Wright as his Assistant Head Coach.
In the interests of openness, the Board feels that it is appropriate to set out to fans the approach taken in the recruitment of our new Head Coach. It was stated at the outset that Mark Burton would act only in a caretaker capacity. Mark is extremely important to our Club in his role in the Academy as guardian of our youth policy, player evaluation and playing philosophy. The fact that 7 Academy graduates have made their debuts so far this season is testament to the work Mark is doing in the Academy.
The Club received a large number of applicants for the post. Other prospective candidates were approached. Some of those that appeared popular in the eyes of the supporters qualified themselves out from consideration by seeking higher ranked coaching opportunities. Money was never an issue.
From the outset the Board determined that it was seeking young candidates with strong coaching credentials and astute tactical awareness. A clear and attractive football philosophy and a viable plan to implement that philosophy was also sought. The Board also gave some credit for a knowledge of our Club’s current playing contingent, the teams in our division and proven ability to recruit players with development potential.
A small number of candidates were interviewed and Lee Johnson was selected as significantly the best of these. He met the selection criteria established and also produced a specific plan for Barnsley Football Club for his first 100 days in charge. This included a playing strategy, specific tactics, identified current weaknesses and credible recruitment targets to strengthen our team.
The Board believes that everyone will like Lee’s personality. He is honest, passionate and a good communicator. Lee believes strongly in fan engagement. He is ambitious and has a clear vision for the development of our Club going forward. Let’s give him our full support!
