New Barnsley boss Johnson will lean on father for help if needed

The 33-year-old was unveiled as the Reds’ new head coach on Wednesday afternoon after arriving from Oldham – with Johnson snr, currently without a post in management after leaving Yeovil just over three weeks ago – someone on whom he will “lean” if need be.

The former Glovers manager put one over his son in December when Oldham lost 4-0 on home soil, but now finds himself out of work and available to offer advice if the phone call comes.

The Oakwell chief said: “My dad has been a manager for 20-odd years and had a fantastic career. I think he’s up to nearly 1,000 games and he’s always there to lean on.

“He has not had a great year this year, but there has certainly been a lot of interest in him as a manager in the jobs that have been available.

“He is certainly a good tool for me because he has been there, done it and seen it all before.

“He’s someone to lean on, if need be.”

Johnson’s impressive job at Oldham, operating under tight financial restraints, caught the attention of higher-level clubs and Barnsley chief executive Ben Mansford believes the club has appointed someone who will ultimately be a Championship boss – hopefully with the Reds.

Mansford said: “We feel we have got someone who is going to go onto good and better things and our belief is he will take Barnsley with him

“Lee is someone I came across towards the end of my time as an agent and he impressed me with his diligence on recruitment and the way he could convince players that he can make them better.”