Michael Skubala appoints Ian Burchnall as Bristol City assistant | OneFootball

Michael Skubala has appointed Ian Burchnall as his assistant manager at Bristol City, the coach having started out at Leeds United’s Thorp Arch academy.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Skubala left Lincoln City at the end of the season after guiding the Imps to a League One title, then took the managerial vacancy at Bristol City. The 43-year-old was Leeds United Under 21s head coach in 2022 and later served as caretaker after Jesse Marsch’s sacking. He left Elland Road to pursue senior management and took the Lincoln City job.

The appointment bolsters his backroom team ahead of the 2026/27 Championship campaign. Burchnall has coached in Norway, Sweden, Scotland and with the Jamaican national team.

He spent three years in Leeds United’s academy, moved to Bradford City’s academy and then led the University of Leeds side.

His subsequent roles included head coach at Viking FK, Östersunds FK, Notts County and Forest Green. He later worked as assistant at Anderlecht, with Jamaica and most recently Aberdeen.

Skubala described Burchnall as a strong first addition, highlighting his experience as a head coach and assistant across Europe, including the Premier League. He said Burchnall will bring know-how and energy on the training pitch and is eager to get started with the players next week.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk