Lincoln City have announced that former assistant managers Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw will replace departing head-coach Michael Skubala as he leaves for EFL Championship rivals Bristol City.
Michael Skubala has reached an agreement to become Bristol City’s new First Team Manager on a three-year contract just one month after guiding Lincoln City to the SkyBet League One title.
The 43-year-old joined the Imps in November 2023, replacing Mark Kennedy and guiding the club to a seventh place finish in the league after an impressive 11-game unbeaten run.
This season Skubala led the side to a historic season, finishing on 103 points as they lifted the League One title and secured promotion to the Championship for the first time in 65 years.
After two-and-a-half years in charge, Skubala waves goodbye to the Lincoln City fans, he said in an open letter: “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.”
Along the way, the head-coach masterminded an incredible, record-breaking 29 game unbeaten run that saw them finish 12 points clear of second placed Cardiff City.
Lincoln 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.”
Scully also commented on the new appointments, as he 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.”