Bristol City boss Gary Johnson admits it is 'unbelievable' that he is the 10th longest serving 'permanent' manager in the country.

With Hereford United chief Graham Turner stepping down, there are only nine managers who have been in their present jobs longer than Johnson.

The City boss has been at the helm for 42 months after taking over from Brian Tinnion on September 26, 2005.

So far his record stands at 85 wins, 52 draws and 59 defeats from 196 games played.

Johnson said: "It is unbelievable. I suppose I am surprised.

"It is a very precarious business. If you are in it for any length of time you must be doing something right.

"I have enjoyed my time in the game and I want to stay in it as long as possible. The key is to keep doing your best and try to be successful."

Johnson began his managerial career as player-manager of Newmarket Town before progressing to nearby Cambridge United.

And he admits it was not plain sailing at the Abbey Stadium.

"I remember when I was at Cambridge and I was only a couple of defeats from being lost to the game," he said.

"I knew if things didn't quite go well for me I would be 'Gary Who?' outside of Cambridge.

"We will see if I can't get myself up that list along with the likes of Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger."

The League Managers Association lists Rovers first-team coach Paul Trollope as the next longest serving number one after Johnson as he was appointed on a permanent basis in November 2005.

Trollope was in charge of Rovers on a caretaker basis from September 22, 2005 when Ian Atkins was removed from his post until November 7.

Trollope's overall record is played 208, won 78, drawn 57 and lost 73.

LONGEST SERVING MANAGERS LIST

1 Sir Alex Ferguson (Man United): 23 seasons

2 Arsene Wenger (Arsenal): 13 seasons

3 John Coleman (Accrington): 10 seasons

4 David Moyes (Everton): 7 seasons

5 Steve Coppell (Reading): 6 seasons

6 Steve Tilson (Southend): 6 seasons

7 John Still (Dagenham): 5 seasons

8 Rafa Benitez (Liverpool): 5 seasons

9 Dave Jones (Cardiff): 4 seasons

10 Gary Johnson (Bristol City): 4 seasons