Michael Skubala has left Lincoln City to join Bristol City as head coach
Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw have been appointed head coaches
Michael Skubala has left the Lincoln City, 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.
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.
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.