Bristol City boss Lee Johnson has declared that he wants to remain at Ashton Gate for another four or five years as he continues along the path towards developing the club.
The Robins are currently sitting seventh in the Championship table and one point adrift of sixth spot as they target a play-off spot this term, with Johnson on track to achieve another improved finish in the second tier despite City's concerning recent run of form.
The south-west side have only managed to win one of their last seven outings following an strong four-game winning run back in January, but the Robins have delivered better performances in their last two matches to record 1-1 draws against Millwall and Fulham.
Johnson will be hoping his side can build on last season's eighth-placed finish by securing a play-off spot this campaign, with the Robins boss having managed to guide his side towards an improved league position in each of his seasons in charge of the club.
Speaking to the Guardian, Johnson has now revealed that his main aim is to achieve the mission of getting the Robins promoted while he would then like to remain another four or five years at Ashton Gate, even though he admits this might not prove to be a reality.
"It’s ridiculous as a manager," he said.
"In an ideal world I would achieve the mission at Bristol City and stay here for four or five years to come, minimum, and keep developing my side of the football club, as other areas of the club develop.
"Is that a reality? Probably not, through success or failure. I don’t know. You have to treat every day like you will be there forever but know you could be gone tomorrow.”
Johnson will now be preparing his side for important meetings with Blackburn and Sheffield Wednesday in the play-off race, with the Robins now facing nine more Championship matches as they look to book their place in the top six.
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The Verdict
It has not been plain sailing for Johnson at Bristol City this season despite the fact his side are firmly in the hunt for a play-off spot, with his side having experienced inconsistent spells of form which has hampered their progress over the campaign.
However, the Robins still find themselves very much in the promotion hunt despite their inconsistency, and it would of course represent a successful season if City can now embark on an impressive run of form before sealing a top-six spot by the start of May.
Johnson would definitely deserve the chance to stay on for another four or five years at Ashton Gate if he guides his side towards the top flight, but a change of management would surely be the right decision if the Robins are continue to fall short of promotion.