New Bristol City manager Michael Skubala has spoken about the process that saw him end up at Ashton Gate - a process that also saw John Mousinho considered for the role.

Michael Skubala has defended the ‘robust process’ that eventually saw him appointed Bristol City’s new manager.

The former Lincoln City boss was named the Ashton Gate’s side’s new manager on May 29 - two months after Gerhard Struber was relieved of his duties with the Championship outfit and after Bournemouth assistant manager Tommy Elphick reportedly turned down the role.

The 43-year-old’s appointment also came after Pompey head coach John Mousinho was heavily linked with the vacancy. The 2023-24 League One title-winning manager was considered a leading candidate for the position following previous attempts to lure him to the Robins.

New City sporting director James Ellis oversaw the process, something which he described as ‘rigorous’. Now Skubala has spoken publicly about his decision to swap Sincil Bank for Ashton Gate, claiming it was only right that his new employers took as much time as they needed to get the right person for the job.

placeholder image — John Mousinho. | Getty Images

Skubala: ‘There was no rush’

Speaking to BBC Bristol, Skubala said: ‘It was a robust process, but I think that's a good thing.

‘I like that because, you know, I always think that the coach needs to meet the project, or the manager needs to meet the project. And I think in the time window, and you have to thank Roy (Hodgson) for steadying the ship, you have to allow the club to do a robust process.

‘It was the same when I went into Lincoln. It was mid-season, they took weeks to do it. But I actually think that's really good.

‘You know, I don't think you want processes as a manager to come in one day, and it happens to be really quick, because I need to get to know the club, the club needs to get to know me, we have to have discussions. So I was really pleased.

‘I know in the background fans might get frustrated with how long it can take, but there was no rush’.

‘Football is a small world’

The previous occasions Mousinho was linked with the manager’s job at Bristol City, former Robins midfielder Brian Tinnion was the technical director at the club and someone who oversaw all first-team operations.

The 58-year-old has since taken up a different role at Ashton Gate, working with the academy.

The search to find a permanent successor to Struber therefore fell on the shoulders of Ellis, who, it has emerged, has known Skubala for two decades.

Skubala added: ‘Football is a small world. It's an industry that's quite small.

‘Me and James worked together 20 years ago, if you like at the start of our journeys, then we've gone off in different directions.

‘James has become one of the top sporting directors in the country, so I've kept a relationship with James like I would with Jez (George) at Lincoln.

‘Like I say, it's a small world, so you know many people in the game and you speak to people. But first and foremost, it's a professional relationship that we want to come here and win football matches.

‘Yes, it can be an advantage because you've known someone in the industry. But first and foremost, me and him are here with Charlie (Boss - CEO) as well as a new triad, if you like, to try and drive this club forward.

‘We're fully on board with and know the challenges. Myself and James know the relationship that we have to have, the professional relationship where he's the technical director and I'm the manager. We know our roles, we know our places and the same with Charlie.’

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