Lee Johnson has thanked Barnsley Football Club in a statement published on the Reds' website this morning.
The former head coach, who left Oakwell on Saturday to join Bristol City, said he had previous opportunities to move on from Barnsley but the lure of his former club was too strong to resist.
Johnson also said that he will be a guest of Reds owner Patrick Cryne at Wembley for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final which he led Barnsley to with victory at Fleetwood in his last Barnsley game on Thursday.
Johnson's statement said: "First, I would like to thank the board, staff, players and supporters of Barnsley Football Club. Over the course of my time at the club I have built many strong friendships, on both a personal and professional level.
"The club has a plan, which we have stuck to through thick and thin, and every decision has been made for the benefit of Barnsley FC. We have created a team to be proud of, and one which I now believe can go on to be successful.
"In my time at Barnsley I have resisted other job offers and opportunities. However, I have a deep affinity with Bristol City. When they came in for me, I couldn't turn them down. My family are based in Bristol and I have many friends and connections there from my career as a City player.
"I appreciate the timing isn't perfect. I would like to thank Patrick Cryne for his unwavering support and friendship. He has taught me a lot about football and life. I look forward to meeting up again with Patrick in April, as his guest for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final at Wembley.
"I would also like to thank Ben Mansford. We worked tirelessly together to create a squad that the town could connect with.I have a deep-rooted belief in the current group of players and staff, who always gave whole-hearted commitment to the cause during my time at the club.
"To the Barnsley supporters, thank you for your tremendous backing throughout my time at Oakwell. With Paul Heckingbottom and Tommy Wright leading the football side, I know things are in good hands in the immediate future.
"Finally, I would like to wish everyone connected with Barnsley FC every success in the future."
