Next Aston Villa manager: Bristol City's Lee Johnson rules himself out
Bristol City boss Lee Johnson has insisted he has no intention of leaving the club after being linked with the vacant job at Villa.
The 35-year-old is understood to have been among the names initially under consideration by Villa's hierarchy as they began their search for Roberto Di Matteo's successor.
Johnson's star has very much been in the ascendency with the Robins currently fifth in the Championship. But, in an interview with the Bristol Post, he made clear his focus is "100 per cent" on the job at Ashton Gate.
"I always dreamed of being here and earning my stripes as a coach, so why would I want to leave when I'm so happy," said Johnson, who spent six years with City as a player.
"My focus is one hundred per cent on Bristol City, because what is happening here is so exciting.
"I'm not going to comment on other things, I just wanted people to know how I feel. I'm fiercely ambitious, don't get me wrong, but my ambition is being channelled into Bristol City. This is my place."
Johnson, who has previously managed at Oldham and Barnsley, added: "It is a good reflection on the club and portrays it in a positive light. It suggests people from outside realise something exciting is happening here.
"That's why I'm happy here and I want people to know that I'm doing nothing to put myself in the shop window or attract interest from outside."
