Lee Johnson has opened up on his exit from Bristol City, describing the end of his four-year spell at Ashton Gate as being like a 'break-up'.
Johnson was relieved of his duties at the start of July in the aftermath of the defeat to Cardiff City, which brought an end to the Robins' realistic hopes of securing a play-off spot.
That was the last of four successive defeats for City under Johnson and he admitted that he could "smell' the decision coming, suggesting promotion to the Premier League was the only way to continue the relationship.
“It feels like a break-up. Your missus has left you, gone off with someone else, everyone else is having great fun, and it’s, ‘Someone love me.’ There’s that desire to bounce back,” he told The Times.
“Four and a half years of every minute of every day, all-consuming, all my energy going into it. I was so emotionally invested in Bristol City. It was everything. I was all-in.
“I could smell it coming. There’s been times where Bristol City could have done it before and they stood by me, as well as times I could have left and stayed loyal. I feel the timing was natural.
“It’s a long time in a division, a long time at one club in football now, and probably what would have kept us together is us in the Premier League. I knew before the game that if we haven’t won, I’m gone.”
Discussions with potential successors to the Championship's former longest-serving manager have been ongoing since but are now reaching a conclusion.
Johnson's former assistant Dean Holden has been offered the chance to take charge of the club and has been given the weekend to mull over a decision.
Should he accept the position, there will be no grudges from Johnson and he has offered his support to his successor at Ashton Gate.
“I’ve got no say in who my ex-girlfriend goes out with next. Dean’s a good lad. He was honest in his work with me and for me. If he gets it, good luck to him,” Johnson said.
