Johnson v Johnson

GARY JOHNSON: the Yeovil boss has backed his son Lee to steer Athletic out of danger

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Historic clash as father and son do battle

FRESH histories will be shaped tonight at Boundary Park. Yeovil have never played in the Championship but under the guidance of Gary Johnson, they are enjoying a highly unexpected charge for promotion to the second tier.

With three fixtures remaining the Glovers are only five points from a top-two spot, with a game in hand.

It is 42 years since the only previous father-and-son managerial duels on these shores — that anyone can remember, at any rate — were played out when Bill Dodgin Senior of Blackburn Rovers pitted his wits against Bill Dodgin Junior of Fulham.

That same 1970-71 season which brought about regular battles between offspring and parent also represents the last time Athletic played out a campaign in the bottom-flight of the professional game.

Something has to give.

Lee Johnson is desperate for the positive result that will keep Athletic out of the bottom four.

Play-off place guaranteed at the least, Gary Johnson is all-out for a victory to maintain his side’s three-game winning streak.

Caron Johnson — Lee’s mum — will simply hope neither of them will see his prospects damaged by the game.

Aside from the quirky familial concerns that brought the world’s press to a special media conference yesterday, this fixture is of huge significance.

“They had an good result and still aren’t out of the automatic promotion picture,” said Lee Johnson of his father’s side’s 2-0 win at Stevenage at the weekend. “It is obviously another big, big game.”




Lee’s father has in turn vowed no quarter will be given when his Yeovil side locks horns with Athletic.



Johnson Senior said: “We are both at least smiling before the game and that’s the main thing. There will be no love lost because we are both very professional and we both need the points.”

Gary added that Lee is under no illusion regarding the magnitude of his first managerial job.

“He hasn’t rung me over the last couple of days, he’s already made that pledge to himself,” said Gary. “We knew it was going to be a big job to take over from someone in the relegation zone. You’re not able to make too many changes.

“He’s always been 10 years ahead of his time and I’m sure he will get on there.

“When they get out of trouble he can build how he wants.”