Barnsley: Johnson to be unveiled as Reds manager

The Oldham Athletic boss watched the Reds’ 1-0 victory at Scunthorpe United last night, with the 33-year-old and his representatives having been in discussions with Reds officials about the vacant post and a compensation package between the two clubs now struck.

Johnson became the youngest manager in the Football League when he took over the Latics in March 2013, beating off 120 applicants to land the post.

Johnson, whose father Gary has managed a host of league clubs, has impressed during his time in Lancashire, putting the Latics into top-six contention this term despite a modest budget - with his credentials having caught the eye of the Reds board.

Johnson signed a contract in January 2014 to keep him at Boundary Park until 2018.

The Johnson development comes after the Reds made an approach to speak to Swindon Town chief Mark Cooper recently, which was rebuffed.

Wakefield-born Cooper, son of Leeds United legend Terry, revealed after the Robins’ victory over Bradford last night that Barnsley had made an approach to Swindon that was rejected, while stressing his desire to remain in Wiltshire.

Cooper said: “Obviously they made an approach or a couple of approaches to the Chairman - he turned it down and that’s that.

“I’m enjoying my time at Swindon and I can’t preach to the boys about loyalty and staying and trying to see things through and I get off myself can I - it’s important that I try and stay and look after them and see the season through.”