Lee Johnson is back in the dugout on a permanent basis

Daniel Hargraves Bristol Rovers reporter

13:32, 12 Jun 2025

Lee Johnson spent over four years in charge at Bristol City(Image: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Former Bristol City manager Lee Johnson has been appointed as the new permanent head coach of Belgian side Lommel SK following a successful interim period.

Lommel are part of the City Football Group, within which Johnson had worked previously as a coach, and subsequently brought the 44-year-old in on an interim basis back in March.

The ex-City boss has since impressed in Belgium as he steered Lommel to survival in the second tier and will now have the chance to build on his work as their new permanent head coach.

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“From day one the supporters and the club have embraced me, and their positive energy is infectious,” Johnson said. “You feel that backing in every training session and every match. At the same time, the daily working environment here is both professional and family-orientated; it’s simply a pleasure to be out on the pitch with these players and staff.”

The club’s sporting director Jeffrey van As added: “In a short space of time I’ve had several constructive conversations with Lee.

“His working methods and approach to player development align with our vision for the club. We are confident that Lee is the right choice to guide us to success in the upcoming season.”

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Johnson spent over four years in charge at Ashton Gate between 2016 and 2020, guiding the Robins to Championship survival in his first campaign before narrowly missing out on guiding them into the play-offs during his tenure. A League Cup quarter-final victory over Manchester United was also amongst the highlights of his time in BS3.

Since, the 44-year-old has had spells in the dugout at Sunderland, Hibernian and Fleetwood Town as well as coaching within the City Football Group.

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