Mark Kennedy: Lincoln City name Birmingham City assistant as new Imps boss

Lincoln City have appointed Mark Kennedy as their new head coach on a four-year contract.

The 45-year-old ex-Republic of Ireland international winger has left his job as Birmingham City assistant head coach to take charge of the League One club.

"We've been hugely impressed by Mark's knowledge, energy, drive and passion," said Imps chairman Clive Nates.

"He impressed us with his desire to develop players while creating an aggressive, attacking style of play."

Former Millwall, Liverpool, Manchester City, Wolves, Crystal Palace, Cardiff City and Ipswich Town winger/turned defender Kennedy spent 11 months in the job at St Andrew's after being hired by Blues boss Lee Bowyer last June.

He is the third Blues backroom employee to leave since the end of the season at the Championship club, following physio Dave Singleton and kit man Jon Pearce.

Since retiring as a player in 2012, Kennedy has coached at Ipswich and Man City - and managed Macclesfield Town, where he spent a difficult seven months in charge, resigning in August 2020 prior to the Silkmen being wound up in the High Court .

Lincoln, who finished 17th this season in League One, had been without a manager since former Manchester United and West Bromwich Albion midfielder Michael Appleton left on 30 April after three years in charge.

Blues finished 20th in the Championship table this season, having won just four times in 26 games from the start of December.

They would have finished lower but for relegated Derby County's 21-point deduction.

But, as it is, Kennedy will now be meeting both Derby and his old club Ipswich next season with Lincoln - at third tier level,