Bristol City are on the verge of hiring Lincoln's Michael Skubala as head coach. After failing to lure Bournemouth assistant Tommy Elphick, the Robins turned to the 43‑year‑old, who led Lincoln to the League One title and earned League One manager of the season honours. Negotiations are ongoing, but a deal appears imminent. He is also praised for his tactical flexibility and player development.

The move will cost Bristol City just over £1m in compensation, as Skubala signed a fresh contract with Lincoln after initially missing out on the role to Elphick. He shares a close working relationship with newly appointed sporting director James Ellis, their partnership dating back to the Great Britain Universities programme. Both men are keen to replicate Lincoln’s success at a higher level.

City finished 12th in the Championship and have been run by interim boss Roy Hodgson since Gerhard Struber’s March dismissal. Appointing Skubala would give the club its first permanent manager since the season began and could build on the momentum that took Lincoln back to the second tier for the first time in 65 years. The appointment could also stabilise the squad after weeks of uncertainty.