Some jobs are said to be in the family blood – and football management is no different.
Darren Ferguson followed Sir Alex’s career path as did Brian Clough’s son Nigel, who took over at Derby County where his dad was hugely successful.
And in Tuesday’s League One fixture between Oldham Athletic and Yeovil Town at Boundary Park, Lee Johnson faces father Gary in the opposite dugout.
The Glovers boss is very experienced with Championship sides Bristol City and Peterborough United – as well as an international stint with Latvia – on an impressive C.V.
And Lee, who is less than one month into his management career, is grateful to his father for preparing him when he was younger.
“He’s been great with me because we’ve discussed pretty much every decision he’s ever made,” said the Football League’s youngest manager.
“I was picking my dad’s teams for him at nine or ten-years-old and that’s what you do, it’s in the family.
“Even mum got a say, she’d pick the team.
“I played for my dad which at times was an issue for me on the management and coaching so I made a big beeline to stay out of his way.”
The father-and-son clash will not be a first as Dodgins’ Bill senior and Bill junior – who managed Bristol Rovers and Fulham respectively – clashed four times between 1969 and 1971.
But Lee insists the pair’s winning spirit will ensure any family sympathy does not spill over onto the football pitch in a tie he believes to be a unique prospect.
“The only reason why I got the job is because my Dad guaranteed us three points and we need it,” joked Lee.
“Me and my old man are so competitive anyway – we can have a row over a game of tiddlywinks.
“If Ferguson’s ever played Ferguson or Clough’s ever played Clough I don’t know, but I can’t think of any better gems than master against pupil.”
And the Latics boss admits the big match-up has been causing a spot of bother for the Johnson family since Lee’s appointment on March 18.
“It’s my mum that’s most worried,” he added.
“Does she want her husband to get promoted or her son to get out of relegation and stay up?”
However, in a game which already takes on huge significance given Latics’ relegation struggles, Johnson junior believes the players should remain focused on the task at hand.
“It’s going to be fun obviously, it’s going to be great for the media but most importantly there’s three points to be had,” said the 31-year-old.
“All that sort of sideshow won’t knock me or him off our tracks as we know it’s going to be a massive three points for both of us.
“In a game like that all I’m worried about is getting the players ready for the game.
“The good thing is I know the opposition manager more than anything but at the same time he’s very experienced and they’ve got a very good side so we’ve got to be on our game.”
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