Will Reading go for Bristol City's Gary Johnson as their new boss?
Bristol City chairman Steve Lansdown will try to resist any interest from Reading in boss Gary Johnson, writes Nathan Jones.
The Ashton Gate manager is among the names being linked with the Royals' vacancy.
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Bristol City chairman Steve Lansdown says the club will resist a move by Reading for Gary Johnson
Steve Coppell dramatically resigned after Reading lost to Burnley in the Championship play-offs on Tuesday night.
Lansdown said: "What Reading do is up to them. They would have to speak to me first and go through the proper procedures but the answer would still be no. Gary is part of our long-term planning and hopefully we are part of his.
"We look forward to going forward together and we are planning for next season."
While former Charlton and West Ham boss Alan Curbishley and ex-England manager Glenn Hoddle are among the front-runners, Johnson's success at City has not gone unnoticed.
The former Yeovil Town boss led City to an impressive 2-0 win at the Madejski Stadium in March and can boast one of the most impressive track records outside the top-flight.
Bristol City chairman Lansdown will be keen to hold on to Johnson, who has four years remaining on his Ashton Gate contract.
But the lure of taking charge at a former Premier League club that came so close to automatic promotion this season may tempt Johnson.
After the Robins' final home game of the season, a 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday, Johnson, half-jokingly, said: "Someone is going to wonder why Bristol City have had two competitive seasons in the Championship.
"Is it the manager, is it the coach, is it the players? Somebody is going to be looking, aren't they?"
Johnson has been tenuously linked with the vacancy at Queens Park Rangers, after former Portugal midfielder Paulo Sousa was sacked last month.
But joint owner Flavio Briatore's propensity to give managers less than a year in the job, plus his reputation for meddling in team affairs, is likely to put off the less than desperate.
The Reading link is more realistic and Johnson's ability to work on a budget could also catch the eye of chairman John Madejski.
Other names in the frame include Alan Pardew and Mark McGhee. Madejski is due to hold a press conference with Coppell this morning.
Coppell's departure after five and a half years makes Johnson the ninth longest serving 'permanent' manager in English professional football.
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by Dave Parker, Nailsea
Friday, May 15 2009, 1:14PM
“As a lifelong Royal and ST holder at the Mad Stad I can tell you that there is no way that Reading would want Johnson and his son would not get in our Reserves. John Madjeski wants someone of stature with take us back to our rightful place in the Prem.”
by George, London
Thursday, May 14 2009, 10:21PM
“GJ's agent in overdrive again.
Anyone that leaves a job to go to QPR for anything other than a long term contract with substantial compensation when you're sacked, because, let's face it, if you had a nine game losing streak there, you'd be gone
He has a 5 year contract and would be paid hansomely if sacked, unlike the vast majority of us, who'd be lucky to get three months..
Conversely, we'd get compensation equal to four years salary if he left and that would be met by his new employer.
That's the point of a long term contract with security both ways and from the clubs point of view, it's not a good deal UNLESS GJ leaves of hs own free will.
It's dead simple-If GJ wants to leave, he will.”
by frank, armchair
Thursday, May 14 2009, 3:08PM
“Hasn't anyone viewed it as a compliment to GJ? and another clarification from lansdown he's the man for us?
And Bill. Is the reason you don't buy a local paper because you live in cardiff?!!!
Good old EP link away at every chance but wasn't Trollope linked with Charlton? So hardly a gas conspiracy.
Gary's going nowhere as the nationals have pointed out and we should be celebrating that.”
by jibbywib, cotham
Thursday, May 14 2009, 3:02PM
“This is a bilious pile of sensationalist rubbish with no base in fact or reason. Had the reporter done his homework he would have seen that GJ is not even on the radar. See below for the latest odds on the job and Gary isn't even on the list. Typical Evening Post rubbish.
Aidy Boothroyd is the 4/1 favourite to take the reigns as Reading manager following Steve Coppell's resignation, according to an Irish bookmaker.
The out of work Boothroyd wasted no time in being seen at The Madejski Stadium as Reading's bid to rejoin the Premier League ended in play-off failure last night and Paddy Power have responded by making the former Watford boss the early front-runner.
Darren Haines, spokesman for the bookie, said: "It¿s unlikely Reading have planned for Coppell¿s departure and there are plenty of manager¿s at Reading¿s level who are looking for work so it should prove a lively market."
Also in the running are former Premier League managers Alan Curbishley and Paul Ince at 9/2 and 7/1 respectively, with Glenn Hoddle a 9/1 contender.
Former manager Alan Pardew would be an unpopular return for Reading fans but is 14/1 to get the gig.
Who will become next Reading manager (odds continued) ?
7/1 Dolan, 8/1: Holloway, Martinez, 9/1 Dowie, 12/1: Jewell, Souness, 20/1 Roeder, 28/1: O¿Leary, McAllister, 33/1 Eriksson”
by Bill, Cardiff
Thursday, May 14 2009, 12:25PM
“CityPete -
I just said a similar thing on another site.
Why do the EP insist on trying to link GJ to other clubs when no-one else does - it's almost as if they have a hidden agenda.....
I've seen about ten different names 'linked' in the national papers but not a single one I've seen has mentioned GJ.
Whatever they're upto all they succeed in is winding up the very fans they want to buy their paper - a good reason why I no longer do.
Come on EP - you can do better than this - you're supposed to support the local sides, not cause unrest and unsettlement”
by Red, rtf5@hotmail.com
Thursday, May 14 2009, 12:06PM
“Steve, Clutton.
It is people like you who will drive him away. Twit.”
by Mike, Staple Hill, Bristol
Thursday, May 14 2009, 11:37AM
“Amy, I wouldnt spend toomuch time on these pages if I were you. There are very few sensible fans on here. It is either full of gas heads or City 'fans' that will never be happy unless we win the premier league, FA Cup, league cup and the champions league. Even then some of these muppets would still moan about somthing. C'MON YOU REDS!!”
by Amy, Bath
Thursday, May 14 2009, 11:29AM
“It must be gas h eads on here because surely true City fans would`nt be putting the boot into GJ and LJ . GJ is the manager of BCFC if you don`t like that then go over the "Mamoral" . And when GJ does move on you can come back and put the knife into a new manager or player or programme seller.”
by City Pete, Bristol and proud of it
Thursday, May 14 2009, 10:36AM
“Here we go again another manager loses his job and EP straight away says GJ is in line for it. Isnt it funny they never mention our blue friends manager when these jobs come up may be they know he is not good enough for a good team just a bunch of hopeless directors and players. Anyway EP ive seen alist of managers on bbc and sky for reading and none include GJ. COME ON U REDS”
by Dan, bristol
Thursday, May 14 2009, 10:28AM
“Amy Bath,
I am actually a city fan thank you season ticket in east end. Just saying the facts, Johnson loves playing LJ, not having a go, LJ is a good player and I am a fan of him, but Gary does like buying him, he was reluctant to let him go to hearts from yeovil and when things didnt work out he came to city. Just saying if things follow suit. Anyway I personally think Gary wouldnt be interested.”