No pressure – says LJ

George Elokobi

ATHLETIC manager Lee Johnson feels confident in the backing he has to turn round a sudden, dramatic decline in the team’s fortunes.

After gaining a spot in the top six in Sky Bet League One after the 3-0 win at Rochdale less than a month ago, three consecutive losses have seen a drop in confidence levels — culminating in a 7-0 thrashing at MK Dons, in which the home side could easily have hit double figures.

Despite that loss, and the shock 4-0 reverse at home to Yeovil before it, Athletic still lie only a point adrift of the play-off positions in 10th.

Having drawn a line in the sand, Johnson has issued a ‘back to basics’ plan for his men ahead of the Boxing Day test at home to a lowly Crewe side in high spirits following their 1-0 weekend victory over league leaders Bristol City.

And the manager has reasserted his own principles of hard work as he tries to rediscover a competitive formula on the pitch that has been so dramatically absent in the last two outings.

“I don’t feel the least bit under pressure for my job,” said Johnson.

“We are in a good place in the league but, of course, if it continues then you will always be under pressure.

“I am a football man who loves the game and I am very grateful for the opportunity I have been given by the club.

“And I will work myself into the ground trying to give my best.

“Last week against Yeovil and at MK Dons, it hasn't been good enough. But generally, it has.

“We were exposed by an MK Dons side that completely outdid us in every aspect.”

Captain Liam Kelly’s absence has been sorely felt in the last two games and he is again highly unlikely to feature against Crewe as he nurses a grade two hamstring tear.

With the loan window closed, any changes to the side will have to come from within the existing squad for Boxing Day and at Barnsley on Monday, December 29.

If Joseph Mills misses out due to a knock picked up at Stadium mk which ruled him out of the second half, then Brian Wilson could start at left-back with Genseric Kusunga at right-back, leaving a straight fight between George Elokobi and Timothee Dieng for a place at centre-back alongside stand-in skipper James Wilson.

Michael Tidser, James Dayton and Carl Winchester could be brought in to start, with a move back to a central striking position for Jonathan Forte in front of a diamond formation in midfield.