Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw take over at City
Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw have been appointed head coaches of the Imps following the departure of Michael Skubala to Bristol City.
Cohen and Shaw (above left to right) step up from their previous roles as assistant head coaches after playing a key role in one of the most successful periods in the club’s recent history, culminating in the Imps’ Sky Bet League One title-winning campaign in 2025/26.
The duo has been instrumental in helping shape the club’s football identity and environment, both working closely with the players and leading training every day throughout the title-winning season.
Chief executive Liam Scully said: “Chris and Tom have made an enormous contribution to the success we have enjoyed as a football club, and particularly during our League One title-winning season.
“They are outstanding coaches, brilliant people and have fully embraced the culture, standards and identity we have worked so hard to build at Lincoln City.
“The relationships they have developed with the players, staff and supporters have been hugely important, and we believe this appointment provides continuity, stability and an exciting opportunity to continue moving the football club forward.
“Winning the League One title with 103 points was an incredible achievement, with Chris and Tom playing an integral role. While that undoubtedly earned them serious consideration, the club’s work to identify and appoint the next head coach has been a transparent, ongoing and thorough process, even when Michael was in position, involving a range of external candidates. Ultimately, Chris and Tom have been appointed because we believe they are the right people to lead the team and build on the progress already made.”
Sporting director Jez George added: “Chris and Tom were very close to being in these roles already, with autonomy to lead every training session, unit meetings and taking responsibility for devising individual game plans. Under Michael’s watch, they also designed, developed and finessed the game model.
“We know this goes against convention, but our job is to do what we think is right for Lincoln City at this time. This provides us with maximum continuity for a squad that achieved 103 points last season and clarity at a crucial time leading up to the opening of the transfer window.
“I have experienced working with Danny and Nicky Cowley, who as brothers were as close as you could get to head coaches and when we discussed the way in which this will operate with Chris and Tom, it was disingenuous to portray the relationship as head coach and assistant as it is genuinely a 50/50 partnership. They have worked together, as equals, for two years and will continue to do so. Therefore, they are both our head coaches, and they will operate in the same way as last season except they will also now have ultimate responsibility, between them, on selecting the team.”
Scully also thanked Skubala for his work with the club: “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.”
George added: “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.
"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.”
See Monday’s Hello Lincoln for departing message from Michael Skubala.
Pictures: Vaughan Photography/Lincoln City
