Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Sport
Beren Cross

Leeds United confirm under-21 head coach appointment with national boss's arrival

A worldwide search for Leeds United’s next under-21 boss has yielded England coach Michael Skubala. Formerly England futsal chief, Skubala follows Carlos Corberan and Mark Jackson in guiding the final phase of United’s academy prospects into senior football.

Skubala moves to Thorp Arch from The Football Association with immediate effect and will take his first training session next Monday. The Premier League 2 Division Two campaign gets underway on August 5 at Derby County.

“The role of head coach within the under-21 side is clearly an important role at a club that sees so many players progress into the first team,” said Victor Orta. “We interviewed candidates from across the world over the course of the summer, but the work Michael has done within The FA, alongside his ambitious plans for the group, gave him the edge and we are really pleased to welcome him to the club.”

READ MORE: Kiko Casilla's Leeds United fate, 10 possible exits and Elland Road development latest

Skubala was most recently working with England’s under-18 side, but his highest profile job with the governing body came as the boss of the senior futsal team. Futsal has similarities to five-a-side football and is played on hard courts, smaller than a standard pitch, mainly indoors.

The new Leeds man had worked at The FA in various roles since 2010, but also held positions with UEFA, Loughborough University, Nottingham Forest and Coventry City across his career.

“This is another clear sign of progression for our academy,” said Adam Underwood, head of academy. “The academy at Leeds United is a key part of our DNA and we believe Michael is the best possible candidate to improve the group he will be working with, while preparing them to make the step up to becoming first-team players.”

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.