Under-pressure Johnson: People felt I had done dirty on them - that was not true

Lee Johnson

LEE Johnson is hoping for a dampened-down atmosphere when he brings his struggling Barnsley side into town on Saturday.

It will be the second time that the Tykes have played at SportsDirect.com Park under the stewardship of Johnson.

On the last such occasion back in March, the 34-year-old was subjected to abuse from Athletic fans who felt he had let them down by swapping jobs.

But ahead of this game, in which Johnson is trying to end an horrendous run of eight straight league defeats, the Barnsley boss stated once again that his parting Athletic along with Tommy Wright after a 23-month stay was completed on the best possible terms — behind the scenes, at least.

“For the last game and the way that went, and the abuse that was aimed at me, I will have to get my shield up and make sure I get two bodyguards like I had last time!” Johnson said.

“But honestly, I think it has hopefully died down a little bit. I did feel it was a bit harsh, as it was never as cloak-and-dagger as people made out.

“It was probably the most amicable moving of a manager between chairman, club and a new club that I have ever known.

“Yes, people obviously felt I had done the dirty on them. But that was completely not true.”

Johnson watched Athletic see off Mansfield in the FA Cup first-round replay in midweek, amid awful weather conditions.

While dark clouds surround Oakwell at the moment due to the weight of negative results — Barnsley are stationed in 23rd place in League One, a point above bottom side Crewe — the manager simply wants to get his team playing again and remains convinced he knows what is needed to turn fortunes around.

“The next game is always a good place,” Johnson added. “Whether it is Sheffield United away or Oldham away or Port Vale at home, we have to just move on.

“I know what we need and have always known it. We are two or three experienced, quality players away from having a very good side.

“I believe that with all my heart.”

PLAYER GUIDE . . .

Aidy White reinforced the ranks this week and the ex-Rotherham and Leeds full-back knows plenty about Athletic, having spent five months on loan in the 2010-11 season.

The 24-year-old will assist in the bid to put an end to his new club’s worst losing run since 1959.

Chadderton lad Ben Pearson, on loan from Manchester United, is the leading light in a Barnsley midfield which will feature last season’s top marksman Conor Hourihane — a scorer in last season’s 3-1 victory over Athletic in the corresponding fixture.

That was a game Barnsley dominated and the task for Johnson is to pick a forward line capable of turning chances into goals.

Marley Watkins, on-loan Newcastle striker Ivan Toney and Sam Winnall are all competing for starts, with former Athletic man Conor Wilkinson likely to be on the bench at best.

Another ex-Athletic man, Reece Wabara, is available again after suspension.

HEAD TO HEAD . . .

Athletic 30 wins, 23 draws, 27 defeats.

LAST MEETING . . .

March 14: Athletic 1 (Jones), Barnsley 3

TACTICS BOARD . . .

Barnsley could line up in a few different ways, including with wing-backs in a 3-5-2 system. But whether they go for that solution or the traditional 4-4-2 shape, the visitors will try to pass their way through Athletic with Adam Hammill providing a threat from wide on the left.

LINE-UP . . . 4-4-2

Davies; Wabara, Mawson, Nyatanga, White; Mawson, Pearson, Hourihane, Hammill; Toney, Winnall.