Lincoln City wasted no time in naming successors to Michael Skubala, appointing assistants Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw as joint head coaches just days after his departure to Bristol City. The decision underscores a commitment to continuity for a club basking in the glory of a historic promotion.
Skubala guided the Red Imps to the League One title with a 103-point haul, ending a 65-year exile from English football's second tier. His sudden move to Championship rivals Bristol City created a potential disruption at a pivotal moment, with the summer transfer window approaching and the squad needing to prepare for a higher level of competition.
Sporting director Jez George revealed that the pair had been effectively running many aspects of the first team already, with autonomy over training sessions, unit meetings, and game-plan development. This behind-the-scenes reality made the transition a logical step rather than a gamble.
George openly acknowledged the unconventional nature of the arrangement, saying, "We know this goes against convention, but our job is to do what we think is right for Lincoln City at this time." He emphasized that the focus is on maximizing the potential of a squad that achieved such a remarkable points tally.
By promoting from within, Lincoln aim to preserve the tactical identity and team spirit that underpinned their title charge. The players already have a deep understanding of the coaching methods, eliminating the learning curve a new manager would demand. This could be crucial as they face a compacted pre-season.
With the transfer window opening soon, having a settled coaching structure allows Lincoln to approach recruitment with clarity. George noted that this "clarity at a crucial time" removes uncertainty for potential signings and current squad members, ensuring the club can act decisively to strengthen.
Chris Cohen's career has seen him transition from a combative midfielder at West Ham and Nottingham Forest to a respected coach. His third spell at Sincil Bank follows stints at Luton, Southampton, and Stoke, giving him a broad view of different footballing environments. His connection to Lincoln's ethos runs deep.
Tom Shaw's journey is rooted in Lincoln's recent history. Appointed to the coaching staff in 2018, he previously managed Gainsborough Trinity and worked in the academies of Forest and Derby. His caretaker spell before Skubala's arrival provided invaluable experience in the top job.
Joint head coach models are rare in elite English football but not unheard of. The approach can work if roles are clearly defined and egos set aside. Lincoln's leadership believes the pair's complementary skills and existing rapport will create a cohesive unit rather than a divided one.
The step up to the Championship is steep. Lincoln will compete against clubs with greater financial muscle and seasoned top-tier players. The joint coaches will need to quickly devise strategies to offset those disadvantages, likely leaning on the collective ethos that won them promotion.
The shadow of Skubala's success will linger, but Cohen and Shaw were integral to that achievement. Their intimate knowledge of what worked last season equips them to build on those foundations, rather than start from scratch.
Lincoln City's bold choice is a test of whether internal promotion can replicate the success of a proven leader. For a club returning to the second tier after generations, stability may well be the shrewdest investment. Based on reporting from BBC Sport.