Former Bristol City manager resigns from role as Director of Football at League Two club | Bristol Live

Former Bristol City manager Gary Johnson became Cheltenham Town's Director of Football in May of last year

Former Bristol City manager Gary Johnson has resigned from his position as Director of Football at League Two Cheltenham Town with the Gloucestershire club in the midst of a difficult start to the season.

Johnson, who spent a little under five years in charge of City at Ashton Gate between 2005 and 2010, was named Cheltenham’s Director of Football in May of last year, shortly after the Robins had been relegated out of League One despite the best efforts of now Bristol Rovers boss Darrell Clarke.

In their first season back in the fourth tier, Cheltenham finished 15th under the management of Michael Flynn, ending the campaign a comfortable 18 points clear of the relegation zone and but 10 points adrift of the play-off places.

After a summer transfer window, in which the Robins added 13 new players to their ranks, including City youngster Taine Anderson on loan, Flynn's side find themselves bottom of League Two, having won just one of their opening eight league matches.

Now, less than a month after Mike Garlick's takeover of the club was completed, Johnson has left his position at Whaddon Road.

In a statement shared to their website on Wednesday, Cheltenham Town said: 'Cheltenham Town Football Club is disappointed to announce that Gary Johnson has today resigned from his position as Director of Football.

'The board wishes to thank Gary for his positive contribution both as a manager and director of football. Gary was instrumental in securing an immediate return to league football in 2016 following our relegation to the National League. He also helped to stabilise the club last season following relegation from League One in 2024.

'During his employment with Cheltenham Town he helped to recruit several players for whom substantial transfer fees were generated. The directors wish Gary well and thank him for his work during his time with the club.'

Johnson's time as City boss is remembered fondly by the majority of supporters. Having taken charge of the Reds when they were sitting 22nd in League One, he guided the Robins to automatic promotion in the 2006/07 campaign before leading them to the Championship play-off final a year later, where they were ultimately beaten by Hull City at Wembley.

In March of 2010, the former Yeovil boss departed BS3 by mutual consent with spells at Peterborough United and Northampton Town, followed by a second stint at Huish Park, before he became Cheltenham boss in 2015.

With Johnson's resignation confirmed, Cheltenham will be eager to turn their fortunes around on the field sooner rather than later to keep their hopes of survival alive.

The Robins first welcome Oldham Athletic to the EV Charging Points Stadium on Saturday afternoon before travelling to Grimsby Town next weekend.