It feels like leaving your wife — LJ

LEE Johnson has detailed his regret at the level of anger his departure to Barnsley has caused in some quarters of Athletic’s support and says it feels like a marriage break-up.

In leaving the job in caretaker manager Dean Holden’s capable hands, the 33 year old says Athletic is in a healthier state than when he arrived two years ago.

Johnson told the Chronicle no deal had been agreed before the game at Leyton Orient last week.

“I know some people think that I wasn’t focused for Leyton Orient, but that absolutely isn’t the case. I was, totally,” said Johnson. “Nothing was done at that stage. Barnsley had asked permission and that was that — the rest was all speculation.

Of the move, he said: “It is horrible and it feels like leaving your wife. You put everything into it and make really strong relationships with people and suddenly you won’t see as much of them. It feels weird. There wasn’t even a proper chance to say goodbye as the decision had to be made so quickly.

“I don’t feel disloyal. The club gave permission for me to speak to Barnsley and I never stopped working in that time. And the club got a sizeable fee back.

“I feel sad that people are upset with me and I certainly didn’t want that. I understand they are not happy with the timing. Whoever gets the job, the club is in a better state than it was when I came in and that’s down to all the hard work of the players, staff and board.

“I want to give a special thanks to all the fans, who always gave me great support. I will always appreciate it.”

Johnson feels that with the best players tied down to the club beyond the end of next season, the next man in at Athletic has a strong base to build from.

His friendship with chairman Simon Corney remains as strong as ever, he added, and indicated that the extra spending power of Barnsley due to financial fair play rules had much to do with his decision to depart.

He return with the Tykes to Oldham on March 14 and is expecting some stick to fly his way.

“I am sure I will get a few ‘pelters’ and I will take them on the chin,” he added. “But I have had a some lovely messages from fans as well and hopefully I’ll get to see some friendly faces too.”