Despite being one of the many to call for Johnson’s head last week, his departure was still a sad occasion for the club. As he himself stated in an emotional press conference, it was clear that he had taken the club as far as he can, and it was the right time to leave the football club.

Johnson should, and will, be remembered well by City fans. When he joined, we were in disarray. Tinnion’s attempt at managing the club he loved had failed, and following a 7-1 loss at Swansea, the club were on a downward spiral. Johnson’s effect wasn’t instant; after winning at Brentford we lost our next nine, but by the end of the season, City had climbed into the top half, a superb achievement.

Johnson inherited a squad that clearly needed to be changed, and he brought in players such as Adriano Basso, Liam Fontaine, Jamie McAllister and Jamie McCombe that gave us drive and determination, a key ingredient to our promotion to the Championship in his second season at the club.

Our first season back in The Championship was quite simply incredible. We were in the hunt for automatic places right until the final stages of the season, and by finishing 4^th and making the Play-Off Final, Johnson showed his ability to get the best out of previously under-achieving players such as Marvin Elliot, David Noble and Michael McIndoe.

At this point, Johnson was untouchable. His Bristol City side worked hard, were very tough to beat and played some excellent football. It was, however, after that incredible season, that his managerial frailties began to be shown. The following season, we finished 10^th, winning just seven games at home, and were at times very direct in our style of play, which never goes down well with an Ashton Gate crowd.

This season, for all the reasons that don’t need repeating here, Johnson had simply run out of steam, ideas and belief to continue being the manager of our club. The decision for him to go was the best for all parties, and though this season has been under-par, Johnson did a wonderful job at the club, and it is testament to him that he leaves the club in a far, far better situation that when he joined it.

Thank you Gary.