A closer look at Lee Johnson and his surprise success story at Bristol City – by the man who knows him best

Gary Johnson is proud of what his son has achieved but believes he's yet to emulate his own feats as a manager

Lee Johnson has taken Bristol City to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup (Getty)

In March 2013 Lee Johnson became the youngest Football League boss in history when he was appointed manager of League One side Oldham aged just 31.

Five years on from saving a side plagued by fears of relegation, Johnson has risen through the leagues and is now preparing his Bristol City team - knocking on the door of the top flight - to face Premier League leaders Manchester City in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup. It has been quite some turnaround.

Not only have Bristol City already conquered four other Premier League clubs in their wild league cup run - Watford, Stoke City, Crystal Palace and Manchester United - but the Robins are also mounting a first-ever charge on promotion to the reformed top flight.

The 36 year-old’s time at Bristol City has not, however, been easy. Last season in a period between October and March, the City won just two games in 22 league matches. Such form saw Johnson’s side slide down the table and prompted fans to place banners around the City calling on the owners to sack the manager.

But City kept faith and Johnson narrowly steered the side clear of relegation. “He got (advice) anyway, whether he asked for it or not!” said Lee’s father Gary, who currently manages Cheltenham Town in League Two.

Gary Johnson told The Independent that his son, Lee, is improving his reputation and could be destined for a big career in management. “He’s done enough for at the moment for people to recognise what he can do, that’s the big thing.

“I think Lee should have (a big career) but you never rest on your laurels in football…he’s done himself no harm recently in what’s happening at Bristol City.”

When Manchester United rolled into town, Lee Johnson masterminded a 2-1 win after meticulously studying his opponent in the dugout, Jose Mourinho. Gary labelled his son an ‘information sponge’ ahead of last month’s clash at Ashton Gate and says Lee will not be feeling any pressure going head-to-head with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad in the first leg.

Lee Johnson's side claimed four Premier League scalps on their way to the semi-finals (Getty)

“He’s very excited, I’m sure. You’re not really under pressure. Yes, they’re in the semi-final, but they had their final against Manchester United. This is a bonus.

“You can’t disrespect Man City, they are probably the best team in the world. Lee’s got to go there and I’m sure he’ll take a lot from it and I’m sure he’ll have a chat with Pep.”

In December Lee Johnson made headlines for importing a £450 bottle of wine for Mourinho, but the Bristol boss, who was occupied with media duties, missed out on giving it to the United manager who left before he could talk to him.

“I don’t know whether Pep drinks wine or not,” said Gary, “but I’m sure Lee will find out and offer something anyway.”

“Lee is going to make sure that the team turn up and show what they can do; show what their strengths are. When they play to their strengths they’ll want to prove they can upset or disrupt a team like City.

“He knows what he wants, he knows his philosophy he’s got the players believing in his philosophy, he’s got them buying into it which is why they’re doing so well at the moment.”

Gary Johnson believes his son is making a name for himself through his exploits at Bristol City (Getty)

Gary Johnson’s managerial CV includes Cheltenham, Yeovil, Peterborough United, Northampton Town, Cambridge United, and curiously, Latvia. And despite taking charge at Bristol City when his son featured in the first team, the 62-year-old has insisted family and football were kept separate. “It’s difficult to keep it just to football, then family.

“I said I always treated all of my players like my sons. Lee always felt I picked him out more than others, but you’ve got to be very clever and you’ve got to treat him like another pro.”

The Johnsons have only met once on the pitch in their managerial career. Lee’s Oldham side won 1-0 against Gary’s Yeovil in April 2013 but Johnson senior always insisted he is the better manager, especially at Bristol City.

“I don’t think he’s caught me up yet. I think he’s getting a lot closer and I’m very proud and pleased. If Lee can get Bristol City anywhere near the Premiership, it will be an unbelievable thing.”

At Bristol, Gary won promotion from League One to the Championship in 2007 and almost followed it up with a successive promotion, but lost in the play-off final to Hull City. Lee’s historic victory against Manchester United brings him in close competition with his father. Promotion or a win against Manchester City and he surely edges ahead of his father, though we’re unlikely to hear the end of this.