Leeds United hit by ‘test’ as restructure required after Michael Skubala exit to Lincoln City – Sky Sports pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United …
Michael Skubala’s exit to take the Lincoln City job has left Leeds United with a “test” as the set up behind the scenes now needs restructuring, according to Paul Robinson.
The former Whites keeper believes the former under-21s boss wanting to leave is understandable after him briefly becoming interim the first-team manager last season, but feels that it is a “blow” to the Thorp Arch operation in the same way that Mark Jackson’s exit for MK Dons a year ago.
Jackson has since taken over at Australian champions Central Coast Mariners and Robinson suggested that when the academy coaches do a strong job it is an inherent risk that they will move on to bigger things, and leaves the club with a job to do in order to adequately replace them.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News the Sky Sports pundit said: “Listen the under-23s have produced a lot of good players. Mark Jackson leaving to be the manager of MK Dons, that was a blow as well at the time, and with Skubala going as well the structure needs looking at again, it needs addressing.
“Skubala has obviously got aims at managing men’s first-team level, and you wish somebody all the best. He had a taste of it with the Leeds first team, cut his teeth if you like in management.
“I think there’s a lot of coaches at under-23s level and in academies that aspire to do that but there’s not many who get the opportunity to do that. So when an opportunity for a coach who does have aspirations comes along you wish them well.
“But for Leeds it’s another restructuring in the academy. I think Mark Jackson going was a big blow because of the job that he did, and I think [Skubala] leaving as well will be a test to see how they restructure.”
Skubala was there when Leeds United needed him last season and has performed some valuable roles for the Whites in an unconventional year and a half at the club.
But the 41-year-old’s increased profile as interim boss in the Premier League, where he secured a draw against Manchester United in his first game in in charge at Old Trafford, likely meant he would be enticed away sooner or later.
The Whites continue to produce strong talent through the academy even though the pathway from under-21s to first-team could still be more pronounced, but it will be easier said than done to follow in Jackson and then Skubala’s footsteps.
In other Leeds United news, a Sky Sports pundit was stunned by late Patrick Bamford controversy in the draw at Rotherham.