Michael Skubala on why he chose Lincoln City and the role fans can play

Lincoln City‘s new head coach has revealed what drew him to the job and how he once almost bought a house in the area. Michael Skubala was appointed by the Imps on Monday, November 13 and brings with him more than 20 years of coaching experience.

The 41-year-old’s first game in charge is away at Stevenage on Saturday, November 18 and he says it will be one of the team’s toughest challenges this season. When asked how much he knew about Lincoln before taking the job, Skubala said: “As a city, not a lot. I nearly bought a house here a few years ago on the outskirts. As a club, it’s got a really good reputation for growing in the right way.

“I spoke to some people a few years ago about its reputation and what it’s trying to do. To come in and be a part of that journey is really exciting. We really want teams to win and progress through leagues, but actually being patient and clubs building in the right way is really good, and I think Lincoln is definitely that behind the scenes.”

Get the latest Lincolnshire Live news with our email newsletters

Skubala admitted that while he loved his job at Leeds, the Imps role was just “too good to turn down”. He said: “My time at Leeds was amazing. I loved Leeds and I don’t mind saying it, but this club attracted me away from what I believe is a really good job. I enjoyed it but this was just too good to turn down. I would have nothing bad to say about Leeds.

“I think it’s the right time to step out and step into Lincoln and take those experiences working with some of the top players in the world everyday to come and support these players.”

Michael Skubala speaking to the media at the LNER Stadium on Thursday, November 16
Michael Skubala speaking to the media at the LNER Stadium on Thursday, November 16
(Image: Chris Vaughan/Lincoln City FC)

The club took their time in finding a new manager, carrying out a rigorous recruitment process. Speaking on what he thought made him the right fit for Lincoln City, Skubala said: “They’re a young group and I’ve worked with young players for a bit. I’ve also worked with older players since I was 18 and 19 so I know what it takes to work with older players as well.

“Also the fact that we want to build on and off the pitch and support the staff to improve. Part of my job is supporting the leadership here to improve everything around the club as well the team. Hopefully we can move the club to the next level that I think everybody wants to go to.”

The new Lincoln boss also praised the fans, highlighting their importance on a matchday: “I think they’re really important for the players. You definitely see when the fans are behind the players and I’ve seen that here already and seen it at Leeds when I was at my old role.

“I’ve met loads of nice fans already and had good interactions so I’d like to meet more of them hopefully get to see some familiar faces.”

LincolnshireLive – Lincoln News