Lincoln City’s two new head coaches have both revealed how the opportunity arose to lead the Imps in the Championship this season.
It’s been a whirlwind day for Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw, who have been speaking with ITV Calendar and Sky Sports News, alongside the local media.
As the players prepare for the start of pre-season next week, and the fixtures are released tomorrow, it feels like the realism of Championship football for Lincoln is starting to sink in.
That also includes the unique situation that the Imps found themselves in, with Cohen explaining to BBC Radio Lincolnshire the process behind him and Shaw becoming City’s new head coaches.
“Throughout the summer, we were both away on holiday. It took a while for us two, Liam [Scully] and Jez [George], to get in the same room, but it became apparent that Michael might be leaving and then what the next situation might look like.
“When the opportunity arose for both of us, we couldn’t wait to get started. We’ve become incredibly close over the last few years, driving in together and spending a lot more time with Tom than I do with my wife!
“This is the first official day of us being sat here together, but it just feels so normal already. We’ve had an unbelievable journey together as a pair of coaches. The club’s been incredible to us, me for three years and Tom for nine years. The journey that we all went on together last year as a football club was amazing.”
Those comments were echoed by his partner in crime, Tom Shaw. The pair have been side by side since November 2024, when Cohen returned to Lincoln as assistant head coach. Shaw has a strong affinity with the Imps, progressing through several roles to reach the pinnacle in management. Alongside a stint as Gainsborough Trinity head coach, juggling his role with City at the same time, he has been a constant at Sincil Bank for much of the last decade.
“It was a really natural conversation,” Shaw added. “We’ve worked side by side for a period of time. We’ve had our way of working, which has helped bring success to the football club. We know what each other looks for in a team, a player, and a training session.
“When the conversations began about this role as head coaches, we were incredibly excited. Our feeling right from the off was just real excitement with absolute pride. This is a phenomenal football club. I’ve been very fortunate to watch this upward trajectory from the inside and know the abilities of the people at the top of the football club and the route it’s on.
“For us to be given this opportunity, we’re very grateful. We feel that we’re ready for the challenges that are ahead, but we have an enormous amount of pride in ourselves, our families and a club that means a lot to us.”
Both head coaches have presented themselves in a fantastic manner on day one, which we all knew would be the case. There’s no doubt that there are plenty of challenges to come, but Lincoln feel right at home as we head for the uncharted territory in the Championship.
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