Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw have been appointed as joint Head Coaches of Lincoln City.
The decision to promote Cohen and Shaw from their assistant head coach roles comes after Michael Skubala left the club to take charge of Bristol City.
Lincoln City’s Chief Executive, Liam Scully explained that the decision to go for joint head coaches is down to Cohen and Shaw’s impact under Skubala.
“Chris and Tom have made an enormous contribution to the success we have enjoyed as a football club, and particularly during our League One title-winning season.
“They are outstanding coaches, brilliant people and have fully embraced the culture, standards and identity we have worked so hard to build at Lincoln City.
“The relationships they have developed with the players, staff and supporters have been hugely important, and we believe this appointment provides continuity, stability and an exciting opportunity to continue moving the football club forward.
“Winning the League One title with 103 points was an incredible achievement, with Chris and Tom playing an integral role.
“While that undoubtedly earned them serious consideration, the club’s work to identify and appoint the next head coach has been a transparent, ongoing and thorough process, even when Michael was in position, involving a range of external candidates.
“Ultimately, Chris and Tom have been appointed because we believe they are the right people to lead the team and build on the progress already made.”
Imps’ Sporting Director, Jez George added that the pair have been leading training sessions, meetings and responsible for devising individual game plans, but acknowledged that the decision to have two head coaches goes against usual convention.
“Chris and Tom were very close to being in these roles already, with autonomy to lead every training session, unit meetings and taking responsibility for devising individual game plans. Under Michael’s watch, they also designed, developed and finessed the game model.
“We know this goes against convention, but our job is to do what we think is right for Lincoln City at this time. This provides us with maximum continuity for a squad that achieved 103 points last season and clarity at a crucial time leading up to the opening of the transfer window.”
George also pointed towards the club’s previous history of having Danny and Nicky Cowley as joint head coaches, as he explained that Cohen and Shaw have equal roles.
“I have experienced working with Danny and Nicky Cowley, who as brothers were as close as you could get to head coaches and when we discussed the way in which this will operate with Chris and Tom, it was disingenuous to portray the relationship as head coach and assistant as it is genuinely a 50/50 partnership.
“They have worked together, as equals, for two years and will continue to do so. Therefore, they are both our head coaches, and they will operate in the same way as last season except they will also now have ultimate responsibility, between them, on selecting the team.”
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