Bristol City boss Gary Johnson has admitted he often regrets what he says to the crowd who sit behind him at Ashton Gate.

In times of strife, Johnson has been known to turn around and engage in what might generously be described as banter with individuals in the Williams Stand.

Bristol City's home record in the Coca-Cola Championship this season of won seven, drawn 13 and lost three has not helped the situation.

The tension of the game and the high level of expectancy shared by manager and spectator can often result in crossed words.

But Johnson insists he is happy with his relationship with the fans and after the final home game – last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday – he thanked them for their support with the now traditional lap of honour.

"I was really pleased with the genuine people and their genuine appreciation when you walk round at the end," he said.

"They understand how the season has gone and we were not too far away from where we wanted to go. We have thrown away so many games and I hope they realise how much we appreciate them. I can understand people's frustrations. Sometimes there are things that are shouted that don't need to be shouted and sometimes on a Sunday I wish I hadn't said something, and I am sure sometimes supporters wish they hadn't said something.

"I nearly always get a letter from somebody who thinks I have blamed them for having a go at me. I have got five lovely letters in my office.

"I am the 10th longest serving manager in the country and you don't stay at a place long if the appreciation isn't mutual."

Given Johnson's impressive record at Ashton Gate, there is likely to be speculation linking him with a move away from Bristol City this summer.

He said: "Someone is going to wonder why Bristol City have had two competitive seasons in the first two seasons in the Championship.

"Is it the manager? Is is the coach? Is it the players? Somebody is going to be looking, aren't they?

"But you can't have major changes. The other teams in our league are not necessarily any better than us. There are some big teams going down this year."

Meanwhile, former Bristol City goalkeeper Jonathan Gould has been named as the new assistant coach of New Zealand side Wellington Phoenix, who play in the Australian Premier League.