Aston Villa were reportedly keen on the Bristol City boss before hiring Steve Bruce.
Bristol City manager Lee Johnson celebrates
When Aston Villa were linked with Lee Johnson in October [Daily Mirror], the 35-year-old’s Bristol City side were fifth in the Championship.
The Villans had just sacked Roberto di Matteo, and the prospect of hiring what appeared to be one of the country’s brightest young bosses as the Italian’s replacement is sure to have had some appeal.
Fast-forward nearly five months and the Robins have slipped 16 places, having won just three times since.
Villa have barely been much better, climbing just two places to 17th. However, they have at least amassed 29 points in that time. Bristol City; a mere 13.
And if such an experienced campaigner as Steve Bruce can struggle to get to grips with the current Villa side, how might Johnson – four years into management – have fared?
The pressure is understandably mounting on both bosses, ahead of Tuesday’s meeting of their respective sides at Villa Park.
And wouldn’t it be ironic if Villa were to end Johnson’s year-long reign after all – only not the way it might have happened in autumn last year.
Did Aston Villa have a lucky escape with Johnson?
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