Bristol City explain Michael Skubala's appointment as manager as John Mousinho remains at Portsmouth
Bristol City ended their long search for a manager on Friday - a search that saw them consider Pompey boss John Mousinho
Bristol City have outlined why Michael Skubala is the manager they’ve chosen to take the club forward.
The Ashton Gate outfit announced the 43-year-old’s appointment on Friday evening, with a three-year deal signed by the former Lincoln City boss.
Skubala’s arrival marks the end of weeks of speculation regarding the role, with Pompey head coach John Mousinho at one stage considered a leading contender for the job that became vacant following Gerhard Struber’s dismissal in March.
AFC Bournemouth assistant manager Tommy Elphick was also named as someone Bristol City were keen on, although it’s understood he turned down the job in order to remain at the Vitality Stadium.
Skubala, who guided Lincoln to the Championship last season by claiming the League One title, will officially take charge of the Robins on June 9. He’s already been replaced by both Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw in the Sincil Bank hot seat.
According to the Bristol City hierarchy, it was was the former Leeds coach’s leadership qualities and track record of getting a team promoted that swayed them to towards the now ex-Imps boss - qualities that Mousinho undoudtedly has, too.
Explaining the appointmend, Robins CEO Charlie Boss said: ‘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.’
Adding to that, Ellis, who was appointed as the Ashton Gate’s outfit’s sporting director earlier this month, said Skubala was an emerging British boss with a proven history of getting the best out of all thoses he works with.
He 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.’
For your next Pompey read: Portsmouth transfer weakness laid bare amid John Mousinho uncertainty