Major Bristol City manager news emerges involving Lincoln City's Michael Skubala | OneFootball

A huge updated has emerged regarding the Bristol City managerial vacancy, with a fresh twist emerging involving Michael Skubala of Lincoln City...

Michael Skubala looked like remaining with Lincoln City and penning fresh terms, but there has been a late twist involving Championship rivals Bristol City.

Michael Skubala achieved a historic promotion with Lincoln City in 2026, but Bristol City have been among the club eyeing Skubala. Following Gerhard Struber's dismissal, Roy Hodgson took charge of the Robins for the second time in his managerial career to end the campaign.

It then looked likely that Skubala would remain in charge of Lincoln and sign a new deal at the LNER stadium. But the noise has not gone away, with Nick Mashiter of BBC Sport reporting Bristol City were weighing up a fresh approach.

In fact, the new contract would mean a sum in excess of £1 million would now be required to take the popular manager out of Lincolnshire for 2026/27 to replace Hodgson after the 78-year-old's departure.

Michael Skubala set to take on Bristol City role and leave Lincoln

At one stage, it looked as though Steven Gerrard was a target for both Bristol City and Burnley. However, nothing has materialised on that front. John Mousinho and Steve Cooper emerged on Bristol City's wishlist as well, but Skubala's name has simply not gone away.

That said, the Robins were left disappointed on Wednesday evening when AFC Bournemouth coach Tommy Elphick rejected the opportunity to take over. That came after Skubala agreed a new contract, with many expecting them to look elsewhere.

However, the latest report indicates that Skubala is now set for a U-turn again and will be leaving immediately after achieving that historic promotion with Lincoln. The 43-year-old is jumping ship to Bristol City and a side who finished 12th in the Championship last term.

John Percy of The Telegraph states that they are close to appointing Skubala as their new head coach. Skubala has been offered the job and is set to leave Lincoln after achieving promotion from League One.

Negotiations are ongoing but close to an agreement, with the former Leeds United assistant set to sign a three-year deal at Ashton Gate. It's yet unclear as to why, but James Ellis is their new sporting director and could have had a huge role in persuading Skubala.

Ellis and Skubala have a long history together, having both spent time at Loughborough University in coaching or at board level. Their separate paths crossed during that time and look to be doing so again in the red half of Bristol.

A huge loss for Lincoln City who must now replace Michael Skubala

It's already been questioned previously whether Bristol City is a signficant upgrade on Lincoln for Skubala, but they have been a Championship club for 12 seasons now and have a far bigger budget than that of Lincoln.

Lincoln were already facing a daunting challenge in the Championship after securing promotion, with the step up in quality and depth from League One just so significant. Survival will likely have required a near-perfect summer of recruitment and adaptation.

Now, Skubala's departure to Bristol City only makes that task more difficult. He was instrumental in Lincoln's rise, establishing a clear identity and undoubtedly maximising the resources at his disposal by squeezing every last drop to achieve over 100 points last term.

Replacing a manager of his calibre this close to the new season adds further uncertainty to what was already set to be a demanding campaign. You'd be forgiven for expecting the worst for them now, whether you are a supporter or a neutral.