‘Johnson’s two year reign has given us some obvious highs and lows’

Judging by the standards set by our next two opponents, Sunderland and Leeds, Lee Johnson’s two years at the helm of our beloved club seems reasonably impressive. Johnson celebrated this week’s milestone with a warm weather training camp for him and players in Dubai.

In contrast, Leeds United have had yet another managerial switch this week and Sunderland are on their second boss of the season, having been through a few tumultuous years of late when it comes to stability.

Steve Lansdown has a reputation within the game for giving managers a decent crack of the whip, and, consequently, us City fans have enjoyed relative stability compared to many of our Championship counterparts.

As we all know, Johnson’s two-year reign has given us some obvious highs and lows, but overall I think most City fans will be very happy with where the team currently sit in the Championship table and the state of things in general at the club as a whole.

We are playing a style of football that has won us endless plaudits for its adventurous nature and for being so pleasing on the eye. The club’s policy of signing young, skilful players with a view to develop them is one Johnson and his management team have fully bought into, and which is bearing fruit on the pitch.

The recruitment policy couldn’t be more different to the last time we were in the Championship: signing established but mediocre players on colossal wages. Our academy is doing well and our ability to acquire the best talent from the region has been well documented, as discussed by loan manager Brian Tinnion on local radio this week.

The stadium looks every bit a Premiership ground in waiting and the club are unrecognisable from where they were ten years ago, in relation to their level of professionalism both on and off the pitch. So, the big picture is looking rosy for sure.

But, on the pitch, the team are undoubtedly going through a bit of a slump. In 2018 so far, we’ve had one win, one draw and six losses. No matter how you dress that up, it doesn’t look good.

All the joy and optimism of the win over QPR seems a distant memory as we reflect upon our disappointing loss away to Bolton. Looking at the table, many fans are saying that automatic promotion is now beyond our reach, and, if I’m being honest, I think I agree. Having said that, this is the Championship and I believe anything can happen, so who knows.

One gripe I still have with Johnson is with his team selections. In short, I think they are often too predictable. Just like his father, he is prone to sticking to the same team when things go well – which, in itself, is sensible, but when it is to such a regular extent that opposition teams can predict your starting XI, I worry it means we are predictable.

So, Mr Johnson. If you are reading this, could we please put Bailey Wright back to right-back, freeing up Korey Smith to play back in central-midfield? As for the rest if the midfield, I suggest it may be time to give Jamie Patterson a rest from being in the starting XI. I think it could also be prudent to mix-up our attacking options and start with our French duo, bringing Reid on as impact-sub later on in the game. I would also like to see Eliasson feature in some capacity.

I trust that you and your coaching staff will take my remarks into consideration. Kind Regards, Dave Skinner