Lincoln City have appointed former assistants Tom Shaw and Chris Cohen as joint head coaches for their return to the Championship, following Michael Skubala’s departure to Bristol City after promotion. The club believes their established working relationship and shared philosophy offer continuity during a difficult step up to the second tier.

Shaw will focus on attacking play and Cohen on defence, dividing responsibilities while remaining closely involved in all aspects of coaching. Lincoln return to this level for the first time in 66 years after gaining 103 points, but face a major financial disparity: opponents Middlesbrough have spent more than £20m this summer, while Lincoln’s total spending across their 142-year history is said to be only a quarter of that.