Michael Skubala is set to sign the new deal offered by Lincoln City and stay at Sincil Bank, according to reports.
Pete O’Rourke, who broke the original story, then claimed Michael was set to stay even though he got to the final two, is the journalist behind the latest claims, but it does fit with reports over the weekend that Bristol City were going to appoint Tommy Elphick.
Understand Michael Skubala has agreed a new deal at Lincoln City despite interest from Bristol City. #Imps #WeAreImps #BristolCity pic.twitter.com/tpxcPk5md1
— Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) May 25, 2026
My understanding of the situation is that, as of today, nothing has really changed since last week, apart from Michael appearing on Sky Sports yesterday and brushing off the question. He also mentioned looking forward to facing Bolton next season, which seems to indicate a focus on staying with the Imps.
Of course, as several critics of this site have pointed out, it is all media speculation, but that is what the media do: report on speculation. Until there is pen on paper, or something official from the club, it is all rumour and conjecture, and usually O’Rourke isn’t one to verify with the club he reports on.
It would be a significant boost for the Imps, who are set for a Championship return for the first time since 1961. A new deal was widely expected for the head coach, whether Bristol City approached or not, as his previous deal was penned in August 2024, and he’s been involved in quite a bit of success since then.
Leading the Imps to a record-breaking 29 matches unbeaten, we romped League One, and now face trips to the likes of Middlesbrough, Burnley and West Ham, rather than Bromley, MK Dons and Burton. That, along with the emergence oif several of our players, such as Jack Moylan, has raised Michael’s stock as a head coach, as it has that of Tom Shaw and Chris Cohen, the other two main figures in our management trio.
Of course, it isn’t a one-man show, nor a three-man show. David Preece, George Bush and a host of others regularly get mentioned as the whole team comes together to form a whole greater than the sum of its parts off the field, as well as on it. Speculation will continue until Bristol City make a decision, or until Michael pops the top off his biro, and not before.