Latics name new manager

FRESH FACE AT THE HELM . . . Lee Johnson (right), in action for Bristol City, was today installed as the next manager of Athletic.

LEE Johnson was the shock name installed as Athletic’s new manager today.

A press conference was scheduled at Boundary Park this afternoon, when the 31-year-old rookie was to be unveiled as the man to lead the club out of the relegation zone.

Cheshire-based Johnson has spent most of his 13-year professional career under his father Gary at Yeovil and Bristol City. He is a free agent, having recently departed Kilmarnock.

Johnson will be the youngest manager in the Football League, pushing MK Dons boss Karl Robinson (32) into second place.

Some fans have poured scorn on the appointment, pointing to a perceived lack of managerial know-how, while others have highlighted Robinson, and also Eddie Howe at Bournemouth, as evidence that relative youth doesn’t preclude success.

Athletic’s board have always been open-minded about selecting an appropriate candidate.

Johnson was interviewed at the club on Wednesday and according to one source, “blew other contenders out of the water”.

Former player Shefki Kuqi was another interviewee for the heavily-fancied job.

Athletic’s first game under Johnson’s charge is the must-win home clash against Hartlepool at Boundary Park tomorrow (7.45pm kick-off).

It isn’t yet known if Johnson will also be involved as a player.