Michael Skubala appoints Ian Burchnall as Bristol City assistant after Thorp Arch beginnings | OneFootball

Michael Skubala has appointed Ian Burchnall as his assistant at Bristol City, adding a coach who began his career at Thorp Arch. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the former Leeds United caretaker has made the move ahead of the 2026/27 Championship campaign.

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 appointed Leeds United Under 21s head coach in 2022, then stepped up as caretaker after Jesse Marsch was sacked. He left Elland Road to pursue senior management and took the Lincoln City job.

Burchnall spent three years coaching in Leeds United’s academy, before moving to Bradford City’s academy and then leading the University of Leeds team. He later managed Viking FK and Östersunds FK, then Notts County and Forest Green.

He subsequently held assistant roles at Anderlecht, with the Jamaican national team and most recently at Aberdeen.

Skubala said Burchnall is a strong first addition to his staff, an excellent coach who has worked as both head coach and assistant across Europe. He added that Burchnall brings experience, a focus on improving players and daily energy, and is eager to get started next week.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk