Michael Skubala has responded to speculation linking him to Huddersfield Town this week, categorically stating he is happy at Sincil Bank.
There was brief panic on Sunday when news of Lee Grant’s dismissal broke, but as quickly as he was linked with the Imps, a news story came out that he was unlikely to leave. I wrote that I wasn’t worried, that I didn’t feel Michael was one to jump ship, and by the firmness in his tone when speaking today, it’s not something we have to worry about.
During his pre-match press conference, Michael was asked about the speculation, and in a style we’re becoming accustomed to, he spoke of his firm commitment to the Imps.
“I’ve been here a few years now,” he said in the YouTube interview. “We’re building something really special. We’ve built something special. It takes time to build.
“I’m fortunate that I’m in a club that supports me. I think with players and staff, when the teams are doing well, people want to come poaching and things like that.”
The fact he’s at a club that supports growth and takes the time to build something was certainly one point that made me believe Michael was staying put, but his own commitment to that was another. A relationship takes two attitudes to make it work, and our attitude as a club towards people is matched, in my opinion, by Michael’s attitude to those same people.
“I’m committed here to moving forward, and there’s no better place than where we are at the moment. I love the fans, I love the club, I love the players, we just keep driving forward and let’s keep churning some points on the board.”
Michael also took the time in his interview to wish Lee Grant all the best. I called him being dismissed at the start of the season, but given the Terriers are sixth and in with a shout of the play-offs, I actually think it was harsh. Lee Grant did better than I expected, and when asked, Michael refused to be drawn in any real way, other than to wish Lee well.
“It’s absolutely nothing to do with me,” he said when asked for a reaction. “We concentrate on what we do. You know, football clubs do things differently to what we do. We’re confident here about how we’re going.
“I never like to see managers being sacked, that’s for sure. All the best to Lee Grant moving forward in his career, because we don’t want to see that.”
Thus ends the speculation about Michael until the next time a top League One club, or Championship outfit sack their manager. However, I do think it’s worth bookmarking this interview, just to allay fears you might have should Luton, Barnsley or Portsmouth pull the trigger anytime soon.