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Lincoln confirm replacement with Michael Skubala leaving to join Bristol City

Championship new boys Lincoln City confirm a replacement with Michael Skubala leaving to join Bristol City.

Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) first revealed: “Lincoln are set to promote from within to replace Michael Skubala with Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw to step up as joint-managers after impressing as assistants to Skubala.”

Skubala comes in having guided the Imps to the League One title, with 103 points from 46 games played. He comes in to replace Roy Hodgson, who had been interim at Bristol City since the 27th of March, with Gerhard Struber in charge for majority of the season.

The Robins finished 12th in the Championship with 62 points from 46 games played, 11 points from the playoff places.

BRISTOL CITY STATEMENT:

Bristol City has today appointed Michael Skubala as First Team Manager on a three-year contract until 2029.

Skubala will officially start at the Robins High Performance Centre on Tuesday, June 9th.

The 43-year-old guided Lincoln City to automatic promotion to the Sky Bet Championship for the first time in 65 years following a record-breaking season that saw the Imps collect 103 points and win 31 games.

After winning the League One title, Skubala was also named the division’s EFL and LMA Manager of the Season.

Skubala said: “I’m delighted to take up this exciting opportunity. I’ve had some really positive conversations with the Board and James Ellis, who have been very clear about the club’s ambition. I’m ready for the challenge ahead and looking forward to meeting the players, staff and supporters. Preparations for pre-season are well underway and we have an important and exciting few months ahead.”

Bristol City CEO Charlie Boss said: “We are delighted that Michael has agreed to be our new manager. Michael’s leadership qualities stood out through the interview process and were clearly evident during a title-winning season with Lincoln City. We are excited about what he will bring to Bristol City.

“As we build towards the new season, we now have in place a Sporting Director in James Ellis, who has experience of the highest level of club football, and a Manager in Michael who has a track record of getting a club promoted.

“I want to thank City fans for their support as we completed our search for the right person to lead our First Team and I know they will join me in giving Michael the warmest of welcomes to the West Country.”

Prior to joining Lincoln City, Skubala led Leeds United’s Under-21s as Head Coach before moving to the first team staff in the Premier League and briefly serving as Interim Head Coach for the Whites’ first team, taking charge of three Premier League games.

His depth of coaching experience also includes five years with The Football Association as Assistant Head Coach of England Under-18s and manager of the England Futsal team.

James Ellis said: “We have appointed someone who is highly regarded as a young British manager with a track record of improving individual, team and club performance over a short period of time, leading to an outstanding promotion campaign with Lincoln City.”

LINCOLN STATEMENT:

Michael Skubala has left the club to join Bristol City as their new head coach.

Michael leaves the LNER Stadium after two-and-a-half years, in charge of the Imps, having overseen 140 first-team games. The highlight was undoubtedly clinching the Sky Bet League One title in style, with a record unbeaten run of 29 matches on the way to 103 points and promotion to the Championship.

City’s chief executive Liam Scully said: “Michael has made a significant impact during his time at Lincoln City and leaves with our sincere thanks and best wishes.

“From the moment he arrived, he embraced everything about this football club and represented the club with real integrity and professionalism.

“We are proud that Lincoln City continues to be recognised as a stable place where talented people develop and Michael leaves with the gratitude and respect of everyone connected with the club. I’d like to thank him for everything he has contributed and wish him every success in the future.”

Sporting director Jez George said: “I can only reiterate Liam’s words. It has genuinely been an absolute pleasure to work with Michael, to watch him grow and to demonstrate that it is possible to appoint a ‘first time head coach’ with success.

“Michael also dispelled the myth that professional football operates in a way that requires dictatorial leadership. We have ‘won’ by being collaborative, empowering experts to make decisions and by creating an elite environment. Michael has personified that and leaves that as his legacy, as well as our place in the Championship.”

Michael added: “I want to say a huge thank you to everyone connected with Lincoln City for the support I’ve received during my time here.

“I’ve loved being part of this football club. There is a special connection between the team and the fans, and I’ve felt that from day one.

“I’m proud of what we achieved together and being able to lead this club to the Championship for the first time in 65 years was a true honour.

“I am so grateful for the relationships and memories that have been created along the way. Lincoln City and the club’s fans will always be in my heart and mean so much to me, and I wish the club nothing but success in the future. Up the Imps.”

Everyone at Lincoln City thanks Michael for his contribution to the Imps and wishes him and his family all the very best for the future

LINCOLN CONFIRM SKUBALA’S REPLACEMENT:

Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw have been appointed head coaches of Lincoln City. 

Cohen and Shaw step up from their previous roles as assistant head coaches after playing a key role in one of the most successful periods in the club’s recent history, culminating in the Imps’ Sky Bet League One title-winning campaign in 2025/26.

The duo have been instrumental in helping shape the club’s football identity and environment, both working closely with the players and leading training every day throughout the remarkable title-winning season.

Chief executive Liam Scully said: “Chris and Tom have made an enormous contribution to the success we have enjoyed as a football club, and particularly during our League One title-winning season.

“They are outstanding coaches, brilliant people and have fully embraced the culture, standards and identity we have worked so hard to build at Lincoln City.

“The relationships they have developed with the players, staff and supporters have been hugely important, and we believe this appointment provides continuity, stability and an exciting opportunity to continue moving the football club forward.

“Winning the League One title with 103 points was an incredible achievement, with Chris and Tom playing an integral role. While that undoubtedly earned them serious consideration, the club’s work to identify and appoint the next head coach has been a transparent, ongoing and thorough process, even when Michael was in position, involving a range of external candidates. Ultimately, Chris and Tom have been appointed because we believe they are the right people to lead the team and build on the progress already made.”

Sporting director Jez George added: “Chris and Tom were very close to being in these roles already, with autonomy to lead every training session, unit meetings and taking responsibility for devising individual game plans. Under Michael’s watch, they also designed, developed and finessed the game model.

“We know this goes against convention, but our job is to do what we think is right for Lincoln City at this time. This provides us with maximum continuity for a squad that achieved 103 points last season and clarity at a crucial time leading up to the opening of the transfer window.

“I have experienced working with Danny and Nicky Cowley, who as brothers were as close as you could get to head coaches and when we discussed the way in which this will operate with Chris and Tom, it was disingenuous to portray the relationship as head coach and assistant as it is genuinely a 50/50 partnership. They have worked together, as equals, for two years and will continue to do so. Therefore, they are both our head coaches, and they will operate in the same way as last season except they will also now have ultimate responsibility, between them, on selecting the team.”

SKUBALA’S OPEN LETTER:

Michael Skubala has penned the below open letter to Lincoln City supporters after leaving his role as head coach.

I want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone connected with Lincoln City for the support I’ve received during my time here.

From the first game at Stevenage back in November 2023 to the memorable day in April when we lifted the League One trophy after beating Wycombe Wanderers, your support has been unbelievable. Home or away, in good moments and difficult ones, you’ve been there. You’ve pushed the players, lifted them, and made a real difference.

Football clubs are about community, identity, and shared experiences and this season felt like a perfect example of that. There was a real sense of unity around the club, and that’s something we should all be proud of.

I’m proud of what we achieved together and being able to lead this club to the Championship for the first time in 65 years was a true honour.

I don’t think anyone who was there at Reading on Easter Monday will forget that moment when Jack Moylan produced yet another magic moment to seal promotion. You could see how much it meant to us in the dugout at the final whistle and the celebrations in front of the travelling fans. Seeing the players celebrate, seeing the fans celebrate, seeing the staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes get the recognition they deserve – what a special moment.

The players and staff deserve enormous credit. What they’ve achieved this season is the result of hard work, commitment, and belief. Every single one of them has played a part. Whether they’ve been on the pitch every week or supporting from the sidelines, they’ve contributed to the success of the team.

The staff – the coaching team of Chris Cohen, Tom Shaw and David Preece have been the most visible but there are plenty more behind the scenes organising everything from hotel stays to analysing opposition – deserve just as much recognition. What people see on a matchday is only a small part of what goes into a season. Behind the scenes, there’s an incredible amount of work being done every single day. Coaches, analysts, medical staff, sports science, kit staff – everyone played a role.

We created an environment where everyone could perform at their best. I’m grateful to have worked alongside such a committed group of people where everyone contributed to making this club what it is.

Thank you to Ron Fowler, Clive Nates, the Jabara family, Liam Scully and Jez George for giving me the opportunity to lead this special club, providing their unwavering support throughout. I can see the club is in the safest of hands.

I am so grateful for the relationships and memories that have been created along the way. Lincoln City and the club’s fans will always be in my heart and mean so much to me. Making the decision to leave this incredible club was never going to be easy but I leave knowing we all shared something truly magical this season, and I wish the club nothing but success in the future.

Up the Imps.

– STATEMENT ENDS –

Here’s how fans reacted after Lincoln confirm replacement with Michael Skubala leaving to join Bristol City…

@Comins1Sam: Think it’s the right decision they know the players and are on the training pitch everyday. Back them imps I know you will. Great appointment imo. 🔴⚪️

@Rob23go:
A seamless transition.
2 very good coaches.
Plus the likes of Tendai, Sonny & Collins adding their vast knowledge too.
And not forgetting Jez & the talented back room staff.
Onwards & Upwards!
🔴⚪️⚽️🏆

@dtimp: The right decision, they know the club, players, style that suits us and will provide continuity. Next season will be hard work but good luck 🤞

@HeeleyDylan: Jesus Christ. Cue the absolute meltdown of some. It’s embarrassing, no balls kicked, no interviews heard, no vision discussed and yet people want to already slate the decision and the boys. Up the Imps and the best of luck to Chris and Tom. I’m excited to see what they can do.

@manlik3padzz: Great decision keeps the momentum and the hard work that’s gone behind the scenes. Good luck chaps in your first big appointment as head coaches

@philscraf: I get the disappointment but I wish Skoobs well – in all respects, outside a couple of hundred minutes between August and May. Look at where he’s taken us. He’s earned the right to decide for himself where his next challenge will be. Best wishes MS. It’s football, we move on .

@youimps_: Cheers for the promotion, but jumped at the first chance to a club that is less aspiring than us, stupid move 👍

@josh_flack34: Rather him go now than leave us stuck in the middle of the season he’s gone it’s done move on and get ready for season

@nickprocter27: Thanks for everything Michael, memories that will last a lifetime. Fully trust Liam and the board to find the best replacement to attack the championship with! The next chapter of this incredible story awaits. Up The Imps 🔴⚪️🔴⚪️

@lincslass86: Thank god it’s finalised and we have clarity. Wish him all the best, can’t fault the money move but there’s no loyalty in football, move on. Thankfully support the club not a person. Least it’s not a week before the start of season. We have a brilliantly ran club ❤️🤍 them imps!

@Ryan_Rosee: Some unbelievable memories in his time here, just a shame he didn’t want to give it a go with us in the championship. Thanks for giving us a season to remember Michael, all the best👍🏻

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