The last time a manager left Lincoln City, it gave me some pleasure to announce it. This time, it does not.
This afternoon, Michael has agreed to move to Bristol City, bringing to an end his two-and-a-half-year stay at Sincil Bank. In that time, he has overseen a process that has taken us from mid-table also-rans to record-breaking title winners.
For now, City fans will digest the news, which is doubtless to be met with a degree of expectation, given the chatter over the past three weeks. He moves to Ashton Gate with the second-highest win ratio in the club’s history, but does so alone: the backroom staff are not leaving with him.
“Michael has made a significant impact during his time at Lincoln City and leaves with our sincere thanks and best wishes,” City’s chief executive Liam Scully said:
“From the moment he arrived, he embraced everything about this football club and represented the club with real integrity and professionalism.
“We are proud that Lincoln City continues to be recognised as a stable place where talented people develop and Michael leaves with the gratitude and respect of everyone connected with the club. I’d like to thank him for everything he has contributed and wish him every success in the future.”
There is a release clause in Michael’s contract, which will see the club net more than £1m. However, his legacy will not be money; it will be Championship football and building an environment in which no one person calls all the shots.
“I can only reiterate Liam’s words. It has genuinely been an absolute pleasure to work with Michael, to watch him grow and to demonstrate that it is possible to appoint a ‘first time head coach’ with success,” said sporting director Jez George.
“Michael also dispelled the myth that professional football operates in a way that requires dictatorial leadership. We have ‘won’ by being collaborative, empowering experts to make decisions and by creating an elite environment. Michael has personified that and leaves that as his legacy, as well as our place in the Championship.”
Finally, the club’s official press release includes words from Michael, as he embarks on the next stage of his jounrey with the Robins.
“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone connected with Lincoln City for the support I’ve received during my time here,” Michael siad.
“I’ve loved being part of this football club. There is a special connection between the team and the fans, and I’ve felt that from day one.
“I’m proud of what we achieved together and being able to lead this club to the Championship for the first time in 65 years was a true honour.
“I am so grateful for the relationships and memories that have been created along the way. Lincoln City and the club’s fans will always be in my heart and mean so much to me, and I wish the club nothing but success in the future. Up the Imps.”
Finally, the club thanked Michael for his efforts, efore the door closes on an outrageous tenure in the Sincil Bank dugout.
“Everyone at Lincoln City thanks Michael for his contribution to the Imps and wishes him and his family all the very best for the future”
Call me a sycophant, call me what you will, but I echo the club’s words. Michael Skubala has been nothing but a perfect head coach, open and approachable, eager to let people in to see how things work, and happy to step back and let others have some limelight. He has overseen a season the likes of which none of us ever thought possible, and while we’re all really disappointed to lose him, he owes the club nothing.
Best of luck in 44 matches next season, Michael.
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