Michael Skubala has exchanged his role as manager of Leeds United’s under-21s for his first permanent job in senior team management as he takes the reins at League One side Lincoln City.
Skubala took up the position of Leeds under-21s boss in July 2022, having managed England’s futsal team previously.
His name will be familiar with Whites fans following his temporary promotion to the first-team dugout last season as the Leeds hierarchy sought a replacement for previous head coach Jesse Marsch with Skubala overseeing three games during his time as caretaker manager, including a battling 2-2 draw against bitter rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Upon the appointment of Javi Gracia as permanent head coach Skubala resumed his role with the under-21s, and has remained in this position since.
Now, however, the 41-year-old is headed for pastures new as he becomes head coach at a Lincoln City side who have been on the search for a new boss since sacking Mark Kennedy last month.
The Imps currently sit ninth in the League One table, four points outside the play-off places.
A statement from Leeds this evening confirming Skubala’s departure read:
“Leeds United can confirm Michael Skubala has joined Sky Bet League One side Lincoln City, as their new head coach.
“Whilst everyone is disappointed to see a coach of Skubala’s quality leave the club, we are proud to see another member of staff progress from our academy at Thorp Arch, into an English Football League first team role.
“Talented coaching duo Scott Gardner and Rob Etherington will now take up new positions at the club on an interim basis. Gardner will step up from Under-18s head coach to lead the Under-21s, with Etherington moving from Under-18s assistant coach to become Under-18s head coach.
“Everyone at Leeds United would like to thank Michael for his effort and time spent developing players, and for taking over as interim head coach of the first team in difficult circumstances last season.
We now wish him every success at the LNER Stadium and for the future.”
