Preston North End: Paul Heckingbottom sacked after poor start

Preston North End have sacked Paul Heckingbottom with the Lilywhites second bottom of the Championship after six defeats in seven games.

Heckingbottom was appointed in August 2024 and took charge of 109 games but has overseen just five wins in 27 league games since the start of January.

Their latest loss came at Deepdale on Saturday as they were beaten 1-0 by Lincoln City as the final whistle was greeted with boos and jeers.

A club statement said: "Football is a results business and despite significant investment in the playing squad since Paul joined, the results during 2026 and the start of this current campaign have not been acceptable.

"Paul leaves us with our thanks and best wishes. His professionalism and work ethic during his time with us have been second to none."

Assistant Stuart McCall has also left the club while coach Jason Euell has been placed in interim charge with a trip to QPR looming on Saturday before the three-week international break follows.

Preston finished 20th in Heckingbottom's first season at the helm, their lowest finish since returning to the Championship in 2015.

They avoided relegation with a final-day draw at Bristol City but failed to win in their final seven league games, following an FA Cup quarter-final appearance against Aston Villa, secured by thumping Burnley 3-0 in the fifth round.

North End lost only one of their first nine Championship matches in 2025-26, and were among the early pace-setters, but 12 defeats in their final 22 games led to them finishing 14th.

Heckingbottom was backed in the transfer window, with defender Harry Clarke arriving from Ipswich, midfielder Alfie Devine making a permanent move from Tottenham, winger Stan Mills signing from Oxford United, midfielder Leo Leroy joining from Basel and forward Johnny Kenny arriving from Celtic on deadline day.

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