LJ facing agonising choices

THE revelation that Barnsley want to speak to Lee Johnson about its managerial vacancy presents a personal dilemma.

Leaving aside the emotional ties — Athletic fans have grown quite attached to their leader - there is a human element. If he is given the chance to talk to the Oakwell club, Johnson will be forece to make a huge career decision: leave the club at which he started his managerial career, at a stage when a big push could tie-up a play-off spot, or stick around and deny himself the chance to run a club with a large playing budget, a strong fanbase and a set-up suited for Championship duty. Tricky.

Johnson’s managerial stock has never been higher. His media dealings over Ched Evans were brief but dignified and he has denied the pundits’ claims the team might plunge following the debacle.

The dips have disappointed, but the bigger picture is that Athletic are more than holding their own, improving on last season’s 15th place — which itself was its highest spot in six years.

Despite the continual denuding of his squad, Johnson has managed to assemble some real assets: Jose Baxter, James Tarkowski and Korey Smith have gone, but Jonathan Forte, James Wilson and Liam Kelly are among the best in their respective roles in the league.

One opposition manager recently suggested Kelly would be worth a million if he was younger than 24.

Athletic’s captain epitomises Johnson’s style: take a player who is unloved or unplayed due to injury and hand them trust and responsibility.

Johnson believes in his players, and Athletic’s board believed in Johnson, giving him a new long-term contract last season despite sitting near the foot of the league.

Will that contract bring his loyalty - or will he move on for more money and status (and Athletic sizeable compensation)?

Athletic could have stopped the process - as Swindon did with a “hands-off” warning over Mark Cooper. But Athletic didn’t, and now big decisions might have to be made