Michael Skubala appoints Ian Burchnall as Bristol City assistant, a coach with Thorp Arch roots | OneFootball

Michael Skubala has named Ian Burchnall as his assistant at Bristol City, adding a Thorp Arch link before the 2026/27 campaign.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Burchnall began his coaching career in Leeds United’s academy.

Skubala was made 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, taking charge at Lincoln City, where he won the League One title before departing at season’s end. He has since taken the Bristol City job.

Burchnall spent three years at Leeds United’s academy before moving to Bradford City’s academy and then the University of Leeds team. He later led Viking FK and Östersunds FK, then Notts County and Forest Green. Assistant posts followed at Anderlecht, with the Jamaican national team and most recently at Aberdeen.

Skubala said: “Ian is a great first addition to my coaching staff and an excellent coach, having been a head coach and an assistant manager across Europe, including the Premier League [with Wolves]. He will bring real experience and dedication to improving players whilst bringing great energy every day on the grass and he can’t wait to get started with the players next week.”

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk