I'm a fan of Lee Johnson's . . . but I'd have him on the bench at the moment

Bristol City fan's view by Matthew Withers:

As much as I would like to talk about something else, there is really only one place that I can start this week's column, namely City's midfield and, in particular, Lee Johnson.

Anyone who has read this column or unfortunate enough to sit near me in the Atyeo Stand knows I am a Lee Johnson fan and have been from the day he signed, so this is not a case of another Lee Johnson basher jumping on the bandwagon.

It has now got to the point where no matter what Lee does, good or bad, for some people he is only in the team for one reason – the fact that his dad is the manager. That is not good for Lee, Gary or the football club.

At Barnsley, Lee had a good game and deservedly kept his place for the visit of Sheffield Wednesday. However, Lee struggled to get into the game and Gary recognised this and made a change at half-time.

The issue many fans seem to have with Lee's selection at the moment is that he is in the starting line-up at the expense of Scotland international Paul Hartley. He is a class act and immediately made a difference in the second half. He is continually looking to play the ball forward and with real purpose. I also feel that he is a natural leader and from the moment he stepped on to the pitch he was encouraging those around him. Hartley would be the first midfielder on my teamsheet.

However, I do feel Lee is unfairly treated by large sections of the crowd. Every misplaced passed is greeted with a groan and he is afforded little room for error. It has to be said that Marvin Elliott is not playing to the best of his ability, yet little is heard from the stands when he makes a poor pass.

On current form, I would be playing Paul Hartley, Cole Skuse and Evander Sno in the midfield with Elliott and Johnson on the bench.

The other bone of contention at the moment for most City fans is the formation and lack of attacking, entertaining football.

I feel we have become rather predictable and just don't work the opposition goalkeeper enough. We have also, over the last few home games, only really played in the second half.

It does seem stupid to make negative comments when we sit fifth in the league. However, in my opinion, we have for the most part been second best against Peterborough, Plymouth and Sheffield Wednesday.

The results have slightly papered over the cracks and City have to improve if a serious promotion challenge is to be maintained. These are my honest observations and I am fully behind Gary Johnson and his players.