Latics boss relaxed as Di Canio hits Barnsley radar

LEE JOHNSON: “very happy where I am.”

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BARNSLEY target Lee Johnson is ruling nothing in or out when it comes to his future.

He merely suggests that interest from rival clubs is a sure sign Athletic is making progress.

Athletic’s manager boarded the team coach for the south today having dropped to second-favourite for the Oakwell hot-seat. Former Sunderland and Swindon firebrand Paolo di Canio is the new

even-money tip to take over at Barnsley.

The Athletic boss (33) says he and his players are relaxed about the familiar football situation.

He was keen to stress the speculation has done nothing to damage his determination to drive the club forward: “I remain very happy where I am,” he said. “I signed a contract I was happy to sign and I like the place.”

Johnson suggested the Barnsley job hunt will be subject lots of behind-the-scenes work that doesn’t inform public betting: “I’m just trying to explain how it works,” he added. “Hopefully, it will happen again 100 times as it will mean the club is doing well. But it doesn’t mean I will go or not go.

“The manager is at the head of it, but it means the club is doing something that is successful.

“I feel a massive affinity and I love this place — the people, the club and the players.”

Carl Winchester is Athletic’s main injury doubt ahead of tomorrow’s clash with second-bottom Orient, with striker Conor Wilkinson already ruled out.