Paul Heckingbottom Appointed as Preston North End Manager

Preston North End Appoints Paul Heckingbottom as New Manager

Preston North End, a club competing in the Championship, has made headlines with the recent appointment of Paul Heckingbottom as their new manager. This decision follows the mutual departure of Ryan Lowe, just three days after the season opener. Heckingbottom, aged 47, has a notable track record and aims to steer Preston back to competitive form.

Heckingbottom's Career Overview

Having led Sheffield United to the Premier League in the 2022/23 season, Heckingbottom’s experience is expected to be invaluable for Preston. His journey also includes significant achievements with Barnsley, where he secured promotion via the League One play-offs in 2016. However, his time at Leeds and Hibernian did not yield lasting success, showcasing the competitive nature of league football.

Short and Long-term Goals

Upon his appointment, Heckingbottom expressed enthusiasm about joining a familiar club. He stated, “Experience is key. Knowing the players helps, and then having success in this league helps.” His immediate objective is for the team to recover and start winning games, with a vision to build a competitive squad that will please the fans.

Supporting Staff

Heckingbottom will be assisted by Stuart McCall, enhancing his coaching staff. Together, they will be responsible for revitalizing Preston’s performances, beginning with their game against Luton Town on Saturday. Currently, the team sits second from the bottom in the league table after a shaky start.

What Fans Can Expect

Director Peter Ridsdale conveyed optimism regarding Heckingbottom’s appointment, noting that swift action was taken to secure his management: “I'm now looking forward with confidence with Paul and Stuart McCall in charge.” This enthusiasm conveys the club’s ambition to turn their season around.

How to Follow EFL and Preston North End

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• Follow the latest updates on live EFL fixtures on Sky Sports

Conclusion

The arrival of Paul Heckingbottom marks a promising chapter in Preston North End’s journey. With his experience and a commitment to developing a winning culture, fans have every reason to be hopeful for the upcoming season. The focus now turns to how the team will adapt under his leadership in the coming matches.