Lincoln appoints joint head coaches for Championship campaign

The Guardian Sport2 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 7:00 AM

Last updated Aug 14, 2026

Lincoln appoints joint head coaches for Championship campaign
Summary

Lincoln City has appointed Tom Shaw and Chris Cohen as joint head coaches ahead of their Championship campaign. The duo takes over from Michael Skubala, who led the team to promotion with 103 points. They are preparing for their season opener against Middlesbrough, who have invested heavily in summer signings. Lincoln's budget for signings has been significantly smaller in comparison, reflecting the challenges they face in the second tier.

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  • Lincoln City appointed Tom Shaw and Chris Cohen as joint head coaches.
  • They replaced Michael Skubala, who left for Bristol City.
  • Lincoln's season opener is set for Saturday against Middlesbrough.
  • Middlesbrough has spent over £20 million on summer signings.
  • Lincoln's transfer spending has been much lower throughout its history.
Latest Updates
  • 7:00 AMThe Guardian SportLincoln have faith in double act as they return to second tier
What they're saying
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The club will be led by two joint head coaches, Tom Shaw and Chris Cohen, during their Championship campaign The last thing the Championship needs is another spying scandal, so when a lorry emblazoned with KGB parked up alongside Lincoln City’s training ground on Tuesday lunchtime there was laughter as staff pondered whether the Soviet Union were examining their set pieces. It shows the relaxed atmosphere at one of the second tier’s newest clubs, one that has witnessed a summer of change yet maintained continuity by appointing joint head coaches. Tom Shaw and Chris Cohen have replaced Michael Skubala, who led the Imps to 103 points and promotion to this level for the first time in 66 years before leaving for Bristol City. It was a symbiotic appointment because while the former assistants were devising a sales pitch to the club’s hierarchy, the wheels were already in motion to promote from within. Their plan is to banish English football’s memories of Liverpool’s ill-fated pairing of Roy Evans and Gérard Houllier. The duo are doing final preparations for Saturday’s season opener at the Riverside against Middlesbrough, who have spent over £20m on summer signings – Lincoln have spent a quarter of that across their 142-year history, indicating the task ahead. Continue reading...

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