Former Bristol City manager Tony Pulis has given his views on Lincoln City head coach Michael Skubala’s links with the vacant managerial position at the Robins.
Skubala has been among the leading candidates to be named as the new head coach at Ashton Gate in the past couple of weeks.
However, the latest reports indicate that Tommy Elphick will be named as Roy Hodgson’s replacement in the south-west.
Nevertheless, the Imps gaffer is likely to be a name on many Championship clubs’ radars, after leading Lincoln to the second tier for the first time in 65 years.
And Pulis encouraged the 43-year-old to weigh up his options before making a decision.
“If the manager thinks Lincoln can be successful in the Championship, and he has a great year next year, his stock will go even higher,” said Pulis, speaking to The Stacey West courtesy of BOYLE Sports.
“Or he might feel with the opportunity at Bristol City, that he will have a better chance of going there and being successful. And then his stock will go higher again. At the moment, his stock is rootftop.”
However, Pulis knows more than most about how quickly things can change for managers. Pulis had no fewer than 11 clubs in almost three decades in football, and management has become even more volatile in recent times.
“You used to get about 10 games, now it’s about two or three. Everybody’s on you like you can’t believe it. My advice is that he will have it in his mind and stomach, and will know what’s best for him.
“He [Skubala] has done a fabulous job at Lincoln. The supporters won’t be happy if he leaves, but I think they would realise what a great job he has done if he does go. Hopefully, he stays for you!”
That sentiment is reflected throughout the wider Imps support. Lincoln are going into uncharted territory for most of our fans next year. Only a handful of supporters will have a good recollection of the last time City played in the second tier of English football.
Ranked as one of the top leagues in the world, it’s a new challenge that should hopefully bring some great new experiences. In the past couple of months, it’s been nice to see so much global attention on Lincoln, at a time when so many are fixated on so few clubs.
“In this country, everybody is geared and focused on the Premier League,” Pulis said. “When you unwrap football, there are more supporters who watch the leagues outside of the Premier League.
“I’ve been very fortunate in my life that I was able to play and manage in the lower leagues. I know how difficult it is to play a 46-game season and get success. The manager and the players have done an unbelievable job, and the reception that everyone should get next season should be absolutely first class.”
Pulis and the Imps paths have crossed once in his career, over 30 years ago. In only his second job in management, the 68-year-old brought his Gillingham side to Sincil Bank for an early-season clash with Lincoln.
“Sam Ellis was the manager. That was millions of years ago. Gary Megson actually played in that game.
“I think we drew or won the game. But my overriding memory of the place was the cathedral, which was just unbelievable. And how passionate the supporters were, even though it wasn’t a big crowd.”
Next season, City’s supporters will play a huge part in trying to pick up as many points at Sincil Bank as possible. And the crowds will certainly be close to capacity, week in week out.
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