Lincoln City are reportedly one of three clubs interested in adding Paul McShane to their coaching staff.
Team Talk journalist Graeme Bailey is reporting that a number of clubs are battling to land him. The former Manchester United and Sunderland defender is understood to be attracting attention from the Imps, West Bromwich Albion and Stockport County.
For City, the reported interest comes as Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw step into head coach roles. The Imps are said to be looking for another coach to support the pair, adding further depth to the staff ahead of the Championship campaign. Earlier in the week, we were linked with Shaun Pearson, Grimsby Town’s assistant head coach, but as yet, there hasn’t been any movement.
McShane, 40, moved into coaching after a long playing career that took in Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland, Hull City, Reading and Rochdale. He also won 33 caps for the Republic of Ireland, giving him a strong background at club and international level.
His coaching path has included time back at Manchester United, where he worked in the development setup after returning as a player-coach in 2021. He later joined Huddersfield Town as an assistant coach in June 2025, although the club confirmed he departed in January 2026 following a change of staff.
The interest from West Bromwich Albion means we may face competition if they decide to pursue the move, as we did with Barney Stewart, who moved to the Hawthorns. At this stage, there has been no suggestion of an agreement, but the link underlines the club’s search for an additional coaching presence as Cohen and Shaw prepare for their new responsibilities.
McShane’s background makes him a notable name, but the key point for the Imps is the role itself. With the first-team structure evolving, we are clearly looking to add depth to the current coaching setup. Michael Skubala’s departure might not have been the mortal blow some outsiders feel, but it does leave a gap that needs filling.
It is worth saying that this news does seem to conform to the rule of three, with a journalist linking three clubs, rather than a targeted story around a single club. I’d be inclined to believe the Pearson story has more legs, but of course, I wouldn’t completely disregard this one, even if it is Team Talk!
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