Bristol City had been searching for a permanent successor to former Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson following his interim spell in charge after replacing Gerhard Struber in March.
Hodgson guided the club to 12th in the Championship, finishing 11 points outside the play-off places. Bristol City have now officially appointed Michael Skubala as their new first-team manager on a three-year contract running until 2029, succeeding Hodgson.
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Skubala will begin work at the Robins High Performance Centre on June 9. The 43-year-old arrives after a highly successful spell with Lincoln City, where he led the club to automatic promotion to the Championship for the first time in 65 years.
Lincoln finished a record-breaking season with 103 points and 31 wins to secure the League One title. His achievements also earned him both the EFL and LMA Manager of the Season awards.
Skubala said: “I’m delighted to take up this exciting opportunity. I’ve had some really positive conversations with the Board and James Ellis, who have been very clear about the club’s ambition.
“I’m ready for the challenge ahead and looking forward to meeting the players, staff and supporters. Preparations for pre-season are well underway and we have an important and exciting few months ahead.”
Bristol City CEO Charlie Boss added: “We are delighted that Michael has agreed to be our new manager. Michael’s leadership qualities stood out through the interview process and were clearly evident during a title-winning season with Lincoln City. We are excited about what he will bring to Bristol City.
“As we build towards the new season, we now have in place a Sporting Director in James Ellis, who has experience of the highest level of club football, and a Manager in Michael who has a track record of getting a club promoted.
“I want to thank City fans for their support as we completed our search for the right person to lead our First Team and I know they will join me in giving Michael the warmest of welcomes to the West Country.”
Prior to joining Lincoln City, Michael Skubala worked with Leeds United, initially leading the Under-21s before stepping up to the first-team coaching staff in the Premier League.
He also served briefly as interim head coach, taking charge of three top-flight matches during his time at Elland Road.
Skubala’s wider coaching background includes five years with The Football Association, where he worked as assistant head coach of England Under-18s and managed the England futsal team.
James Ellis said: “We have appointed someone who is highly regarded as a young British manager with a track record of improving individual, team and club performance over a short period of time, leading to an outstanding promotion campaign with Lincoln City.”
📣 We’re delighted to announce Michael Skubala as #BristolCity First Team Manager on a three-year contract until 2029.
— Bristol City FC (@BristolCity) May 29, 2026