Preston Manager Search: Alex Neil, Brian Barry-Murphy, and More on Shortlist

Preston North End Shortlists New Manager Candidates

Preston North End has recently made headlines by drawing up a shortlist of potential candidates to take over as their new manager. With recent developments leading to the departure of Ryan Lowe, the club aims to appoint a suitable replacement promptly. The list includes notable names such as Alex Neil, Brian Barry-Murphy, John Eustace, Scott Lindsey, Paul Gallagher, and Gary Rowett, showcasing a diverse range of managerial experience and familiarity with the league.

Key Contenders for the Managerial Role

Among the candidates, Brian Barry-Murphy stands out due to his past as a Preston player and current role managing Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad, where he collaborates closely with Pep Guardiola. This experience could prove invaluable as Preston looks to revitalise their squad.

On the other hand, experienced managers like Alex Neil, Gary Rowett, and Paul Gallagher are all available for immediate employment. This could facilitate a quicker decision from the Preston hierarchy, especially considering the urgency post-Lowe’s exit.

Current Managers and Their Availability

John Eustace from Blackburn and Scott Lindsey from Crawley are presently employed, which may complicate their potential move to Deepdale. As Preston navigates these options, they are keen to make a swift appointment to guide the team forward in what is anticipated to be a competitive season.

Ryan Lowe's Departure: A Mutual Decision for Change

Ryan Lowe's departure from Preston North End has opened a chapter of change for the club. After a challenging start to the season marked by a 2-0 defeat at home against Sheffield United, Lowe expressed his views, stating: "I've had an unbelievable two-and-a-half years, met some incredible people and coached some fantastic players, but I feel now is the right time to move on." His statement reflects a thoughtful decision aimed at allowing the club to explore a different direction.

A Reflection on Lowe's Tenure

During his time at Preston, Lowe managed to secure finishes of 13th, 12th, and 10th in the Championship over his two-and-a-half seasons. However, the club’s recent struggles, culminated by a five-game losing streak at the end of last season, raised questions about the team’s trajectory. Director Peter Ridsdale acknowledged the supporters' sentiments regarding a change, emphasizing that the decision for Lowe to step down was ultimately mutual, stemming from a desire for both personal and professional growth.

Future Steps for Preston North End

As the club looks ahead, they remain committed to their reputation of not being a club that frequently hires and fires managers. With the search for a new manager underway, Preston hopes to find a leader who can not only steer the team to better results but also reestablish a positive connection with the supporters.

How to Follow Preston's Journey

Fans of Preston can stay updated on the managerial search and team updates through various channels. You can watch EFL fixtures on Sky Sports and stream your updates via the Sky Sports app and NOW.

Conclusion

The coming weeks will be crucial for Preston North End as they seek to appoint their new manager. The anticipated changes will play a significant role in determining the club's fortunes in the Championship this season. Regardless of the decision, the focus will remain on revitalising the squad and restoring the club's competitive edge.