The Robins boss had been named as a possible front-runner for the vacant Villa Park post.
Bristol City boss Lee Johnson has told the Bristol Post his focus is ‘one hundred per cent’ on the Robins amid reports linking him with the vacant Aston Villa job.
Johnson has led City to fifth in the Championship this season, having picked them up in 22nd place in February this year.
Understandably, that has led to speculation about the 35-year-old’s future, with the Sun listing him as one of two front-runners, alongside Steve Bruce, to take the reins at Villa Park.
Villa, who are 19th in the standings, relieved Roberto di Matteo of his duties at the start of the week, but Johnson has assured supporters that Bristol City is ‘my place’.
“I always dreamed of being here and earning my stripes as a coach, so why would I want to leave when I’m so happy,” he told the Bristol Post. “My focus is one hundred per cent on Bristol City, because what is happening here is so exciting.
“I’m not going to comment on other things, I just wanted people to know how I feel. I’m fiercely ambitious, don’t get me wrong, but my ambition is being channelled into Bristol City. This is my place.”
He added: “It (the speculation) is a good reflection on the club and portrays it in a positive light. It suggests people from outside realise something exciting is happening here.
“That’s why I’m happy here and I want people to know that I’m doing nothing to put myself in the shop window or attract interest from outside.”
Johnson, who spent six seasons a player at Ashton Gate – playing under his father Gary for some of that spell, only began his managerial career in 2013 with Oldham Athletic.
The former midfielder moved on to Barnsley in early 2015 before City came calling a year later.
Bruce is the current favourite to take the Villa job (4/9, Skybet), while Johnson dropping to joint-11th on the list (25/1).
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