EFL boss sacked for SECOND time this season as fans plead "just give up mate"

30 December 2023 , 13:46

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Manager Lee Johnson has now been sacked twice already this season (Image: Andrew Vaughan - CameraSport via Getty Images)

Lee Johnson has been sacked as manager of League One side Fleetwood Town after just 111 days in charge, having previously been axed by Scottish club Hibernian earlier this season.

Johnson was sacked by Hibernian on August 27, with the club bottom of the Scottish Premiership, but returned to management a month later when he was named by Fleetwood as Scott Brown's replacement.

However, he won just six of his 22 matches in charge and Fleetwood have also opted to part ways with the 42-year-old with the club just second bottom. "Fleetwood Town can confirm Lee Johnson has left the club with immediate effect," the said in a statement.

"Assistant Manager Darren Way and First Team Coach Phil Jevons will also depart – everyone at the Club would like to place on record our thanks to Lee, Darren, and Phil for their hard work and professionalism during their time at the club. The Club will issue a further update on the first team staff in due course."

The decision comes after Fleetwood were beaten 2-0 by Bolton Wanderers on Friday, marking the second time Johnson has been sacked following a defeat to Ian Evatt's side having been axed by Sunderland back in January 2022 after losing 6-0 to Bolton.

Ex-England star Gale preparing for future off pitch while starring for Keighley

And fans have ripped into Johnson on social media following his second sacking of the season, with one writing: "Just give up mate. You're not meant to be a manager." A second added: "How do you get sacked twice in the same season before the new year? Please, ffs, no one ever give him a job again. Worst manager in the world."

A third wrote: "Finally some good news this week, sacked twice in the same season before new year get it up him". While a fourth joked: "Lee Johnson has been sacked twice in one season. And people said he'd never achieve anything remarkable. Egg on all your faces!"

Following the defeat to Bolton, Johnson bemoaned "individual errors" and claimed Fleetwood had been "masters of our own downfall". He said: "We knew the quality that Bolton have, it's a well-established side in the division and they are obviously up there.

"But in the end, we were masters of our own downfall again with individual errors. There have been a lot of individual errors that, if we want to get out of trouble, they are the bits that we have to stop.

"A very simple set-up from a throw and they end up scoring. Then, obviously, the second one as well. Was I disappointed that we didn't threaten more? Yes, but unfortunately we have got 15 players unavailable for selection today and it is difficult for a club like us."

Matthew Cooper