Michael Skubala leads Lincoln City to promotion, ending 65-year wait for Championship return | OneFootball

Michael Skubala, the former Leeds United interim, has led Lincoln City to League One promotion after a 2-1 win at Reading, ending a 65-year wait for Championship football.

He took charge in November 2023, his first permanent managerial post, after a brief stint as interim Leeds head coach. He oversaw a 2-2 draw at Manchester United, then lost the reverse fixture and at Everton.

Lincoln conceded a 92nd-minute equaliser at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, before substitute Jack Moylan struck four minutes later to seal it 2-1. They are 19 points clear of third-place Bradford City with five games left, the first EFL club promoted this season.

The Imps last played in the second tier in 1961 and have spent the past seven years in League One. Skubala’s side are 24 games unbeaten and 12 points ahead of second-place Cardiff City, making them clear favourites for the title.

"We want to win the title, the lads have said that they definitely want to win it. It's going to be tough, but let's go and get that done as well." Skubala told Sky Sports.

"We'll enjoy tonight, we'll go out and have a beer. But we'll be back in on Wednesday, after a day off tomorrow, and then we'll be ready for a big game at home [Leyton Orient on Saturday]."

"Every game is tough at this level. I'm not really thinking about next season yet."

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk