Lee Johnson to Sunderland: Everything you need to know about the head coach front-runner

The former Bristol City boss is set to be named as Phil Parkinson’s successor as the Black Cats begin a new chapter.

But what do we know about Johnson, what does his record look like and what will he bring to the Stadium of Light? We take a look:

Where has he managed before?

While still young, the Newmarket-born manager has close to a decade of experience in the dugout.

Johnson, now 39, began his managerial career at the age of 31 – which made him the youngest manager in the EFL at the time after he called time on his playing career after a spell at Kilmarnock.

His first job came at Oldham Athletic, where Johnson led the side to safety in League One. In subsequent seasons, he had the side competing for places in the top ten – which naturally brought interest from elsewhere.

That saw Barnsley swoop for Johnson’s services in 2015 and he was appointed as head coach of the then-League One side.

While at Oakwell, Johnson led the Tykes up the third tier table and helped them qualify for the EFL Trophy final – before leaving for Bristol City in February 2016.

Johnson went on to spend over four years at Ashton Gate, where he guided the side to survival in his first season before then establishing the Robins as a top-half side in the Championship.

He left Bristol City in July of this year after a run of four consecutive defeats.

What is his managerial record like?

Johnson has managed 371 games, and has won 140 of them.

That means his win percentage across his managerial career stands at 37.7 per cent.

What style of play does he prefer?

Johnson has had some real success playing a 4-4-2, first at Barnsley and then at Bristol City.

But he is happy to switch between shapes. During his last season at Ashton Gate, Johnson variated between four at the back and a 3-5-2. It gave Bristol an added element of flexibility – something which wasn’t always seen under the Black Cats' last manager.

Johnson’s sides are also typically possession-based, which would tick a big box with Sunderland fans.

Does he know any of the current Sunderland squad?

Johnson has managed Sunderland defender Bailey Wright during his time at Bristol City, and was also in charge of Barnsley while Josh Scowen was at the club.

Indeed, Johnson regularly talked-up Wright and his leadership abilities while in the South West.

What do we know about Sunderland’s interest?

Johnson is understood to be Sunderland’s first choice to replace Phil Parkinson – with the club having spoken to a number of candidates this week.

If a deal is reached, then Johnson will be appointed as head coach. He will work beneath new sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, who has joined the Black Cats from Birmingham City.

Johnson’s role will focus on coaching and development, as Sunderland tweak their footballing structure ahead of the mooted ownership changes.

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