Lincoln lose manager weeks after promotion as new Championship rivals swoop in

Bristol City have confirmed the appointment of Michael Skubala as their new manager on a three-year deal.

Skubala has swapped Lincoln City for Ashton Gate after guiding the Imps into the Championship.

Getty

He had been in charge of Lincoln since November 2023.

It marked his first permanent managerial role in first-team football after a year as Leeds United’s under-21 manager.

He has also previously worked with England’s under-18 side as well as spells managing at Nottingham Forest and Coventry City’s academies.

Skubala will be replaced at Lincoln by Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw, who make the step up from their previous roles as assistant head coaches.

The 2025/26 season saw Lincoln secure promotion from League One as champions under the 43-year-old.

Their 103-point haul clinched a return to the second-tier for the first time in 65 years.

Skubala’s side won 31 of their 46 league matches, losing just five times in League One all season.

After securing promotion in April, they ended the campaign 12 points clear of second place Cardiff City.

In an emotional goodbye statement to Lincon’s fans, Skubala said: “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.

Getty

“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.”

Bristol City’s manager hunt

Bristol City had been on the looking for a new permanent manager following Gerhard Struber’s sacking in March.

The Austrian was replaced by Roy Hodgson on an interim basis for the final seven matches of the season.

Hodgson subsequently guided the club to a 12th place finish, although they ended the campaign 11 points adrift of the play-offs.

It means the Robins will now embark on their 12th successive season in the Championship next term.

Getty

Following Hodgson’s departure at the end of the campaign, a number of candidates emerged for the Bristol City job.

Talks were previously held with Portsmouth boss John Mousinho after he secured Championship survival with Pompey.

Meanwhile, the club also approached Bournemouth’s Tommy Elphick earlier this month.

Though Cherries’ assistant manager is set to remain at the Vitality Stadium, though, as part of new boss Marco Rose’s backroom team.