Michael Skubala is poised to remain as Lincoln City boss, as Bristol City prepare to name Tommy Elphick as their new manager.
That is according to John Percy of the Telegraph, a renowned journalist who has this evening suggested The Robins have made their decision. It’s common knowledge that Michael is down to the final two candidates for the Ashton Gate role, but now it seems as though he is set to stay at Sincil Bank.
“Tommy Elphick is close to being named as the new head coach of Bristol City,” tweeted Percy.
“Was in the final two with Lincoln’s Michael Skubala and official confirmation expected soon. Say this every time, but one of the best jobs in the Champ with the facilities and potential, etc.”
It is unclear whether the Robins made that choice or whether Michael has decided to turn down the role and sign a new deal with the club. Nothing is official as yet, but it does seem like another turn in an increasingly twisty saga.
It is a little under a fortnight since news broke that Skubala was being considered for the role, along with Portsmouth boss John Mousinho. A couple of days later, Peter O’Rourke, who broke the first story, suggested Michael was staying put, and that the Robins would look elsewhere.
Mousinho then emerged as favourite, before being usurped by Lee Carsley, before the story reignited for City fans this week. On Monday, it was suggested Bristol City now wanted Bournemouth assistant Tommy Elphick, who was down to the final two alongside Michael Skubala.
It was then revealed that Michael had been offered a new deal, which feels a bit like standard practice given his last one was in 2024, and he’s just achieved promotion, but it has been packaged as a new deal in reaction to the Robins’ offer. That is where the story has stayed for 24 hours, with nothing further coming out of either camp.
It seems now that Tommy Elphick will be the next manager of Bristol City, with John Percy being a journalist of some standing. He is the sort to verify a story before he runs it, working for a reputable paper, rather than a website, and maintaining a good relationship with clubs, not just agents.
At least, that is what all Lincoln City fans are hoping. Tonight, we sleep without the knowledge, but hopefully tomorrow, we wake up to the news that there is a new man in the Ashton Gate dugout, and it isn’t our head coach.