Michael Skubala leads Lincoln to Championship, ending 65-year wait | OneFootball

Former Leeds United interim coach Michael Skubala has guided Lincoln City to League One promotion with a 2-1 win at Reading, ending a 65-year wait for the Championship.

"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. Every game is tough, but if we can go and put in some more good performances, we can do it," he told Sky Sports.

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

Skubala took charge in November 2023, his first permanent managerial post, after a brief spell as Leeds interim head coach. The former Under-21s boss stepped in following Jesse Marsch’s exit, overseeing a 2-2 draw at Manchester United before losing the reverse fixture and at Everton.

The Imps have not played in the Championship since 1961 and have spent the last seven years in League One. Skubala has presided over a 24-game unbeaten run and they are clear favourites for the third-tier title, 12 points ahead of second-place Cardiff City.

Their return will pit Skubala against leading EFL managers, and include trips to three clubs who have spent this season in the Premier League. Leeds will hope not to be welcoming back their former coach.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk