Lee Johnson is an English football manager and former professional player. He is best known for his managerial tenures at a number of clubs, including Oldham Athletic, Barnsley, Bristol City, Sunderland, Hibernian and Fleetwood Town.
His playing career saw him represent clubs such as Brighton & Hove Albion, Yeovil Town, Heart of Midlothian, Bristol City, Derby County, Chesterfield and Kilmarnock.
Johnson rose to prominence in football management circles when he became the youngest manager in the English Football League at the age of 31 when he took over at Oldham Athletic in 2013.
His coaching style, influenced by his father, Gary Johnson, a seasoned football coach, has earned him a reputation for his ability to rebuild and revive teams.
File
- – Full name: Lee David Johnson
- – Date of birth: June 7, 1981
- – Age: 43 years old
- – Gender: Male
- – Place of birth: Newmarket, England
- – Nationality: British
- – Occupation: Football manager, Former professional football player
- – Height: 6’2″
- – Parents: Gary Johnson (father), Karen Johnson (mother)
- – Siblings: None
- – Spouse: Nicola Johnson
- – Children: Isabel Johnson
- – Relationship status: Married
- – Religion: None
- – Ethnicity: White British
- – Net worth: $3 million
Early life and education
Lee Johnson, now 43, was born on June 7, 1981, in Newmarket, England, to Gary and Karen Johnson. His father, Gary, was a renowned football coach who significantly influenced Lee’s early exposure to football. Growing up, Lee spent his formative years immersed in the sport, often accompanying his father to training sessions and matches.
Johnson attended Richard Hale School in Hertford and later the University of Hertfordshire. He is of white British descent and details of his religious beliefs are not public. His education was closely tied to his burgeoning football career, balancing academics with his passion for the sport.
Personal life
Lee Johnson is married to Nicola Johnson and they have a daughter, Isabel Johnson. The couple’s relationship began long before Lee’s management career took off and they have been a supportive unit through the ups and downs of his professional life.
Always by her husband’s side, Nicola is often seen at matches and events. There are no public records of any extramarital affairs or divorces, suggesting a stable family life. Johnson’s personal life remains largely private, with little information available about his activities outside of football.
Career
Lee Johnson’s football career began as a player, with his early years playing for Brighton & Hove Albion. He went on to play for a number of clubs, including Yeovil Town, where he played under his father, Heart of Midlothian, Bristol City, Derby County, Chesterfield and Kilmarnock. His playing career was marked by notable performances, particularly at Yeovil Town and Bristol City.
In March 2013, at the age of 31, Johnson took over as manager of Oldham Athletic, becoming the youngest manager in the English Football League. During his tenure, he led the team away from relegation and stabilised their position.
In February 2015, he moved to Barnsley, where he helped improve the team’s performance. Johnson’s next major role was with Bristol City in February 2016, where he served for over four years.
His time at Bristol City was marked by a strong run in the 2017–18 EFL Cup, where the team reached the semi-finals. In December 2020, he was appointed manager of Sunderland, leading them to victory in the 2021 EFL Trophy.
After leaving Sunderland, Johnson took up the managerial role at Hibernian in May 2022 but was sacked in August 2023 following a series of poor results.
He briefly managed Fleetwood Town from September to December 2023. Throughout his managerial career, Johnson has been renowned for his tactical understanding and ability to rebuild struggling teams.
Prize
- – EFL Cup (2021) – Sunderland
Net worth
Lee Johnson’s net worth is estimated at $3 million. His income comes primarily from his role as a football coach and his previous career as a professional player. Johnson’s financial success is largely due to his long involvement in football, both on and off the field.
Argumentative
Throughout his career, Lee Johnson has faced many controversies and challenges typical of the high-pressure environment of football management. One notable controversy occurred during his tenure at Bristol City.
Despite several successful campaigns, his management style and decisions often divided opinion among fans and pundits. His tendency to make dramatic changes to the squad, such as dropping fan favourites, sometimes led to backlash and public scrutiny.
Johnson’s time at Sunderland was also marred by controversy, not least his sacking in January 2022. After a series of poor performances, including a heavy 6–0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers, the club’s management decided to part ways with him.
The decision has received mixed reactions. Some say he did not have enough time to change the situation, while others feel a change is needed.
At Hibernian, Johnson faced significant criticism during the early stages of the 2023 season. The team’s poor form, including a series of defeats that left them bottom of the Scottish Premiership, led to increasing pressure from fans and the media.
His strategic decisions and handling of player transfers were questioned, and mounting losses culminated in his sacking in August 2023. The frustration among fans was palpable, with calls for his resignation growing louder with each disappointing result. His departure from Hibernian was seen as a necessary step to try to revive the club’s fortunes.
In addition to these controversies, Johnson has occasionally been involved in verbal altercations with players and other managers, adding to the turbulent nature of his managerial career. Despite these challenges, he remains a respected figure in the football community, known for his dedication and tactical knowledge.
Social media
- – Instagram: @leejohnson
- – Twitter: @leejohnson
