Preston North End have sacked manager Paul Heckingbottom after a disastrous start to the season, with the Championship club announcing his departure following Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Lincoln City.
The result was Preston's sixth league defeat in seven games, leaving them second bottom of the Championship. Heckingbottom, 49, had been in the role for just over two years, taking charge of 109 games during his Deepdale tenure.
Significant investment cited in statement
The club's statement announcing Heckingbottom's departure referenced the "significant investment in the playing squad", adding that results following that have "not been acceptable". Preston spent around £15 million on new signings in the summer transfer window.
“Preston North End Football Club have today taken the decision to part company with Paul Heckingbottom as First Team Football Manager,” the statement read. “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.”
McCall also departs, Euell takes interim charge
The statement also confirmed that Stuart McCall has left the club, with the club thanking him for his contribution over the last two years. Jason Euell will take charge of first team matters on an interim basis.
Heckingbottom had overseen just five wins across 27 league games since January. Angry fans chanted for him to be sacked after the game, and Heckingbottom acknowledged the criticism.
He told The Lancashire Evening Post: “Yes, I understand [the chants]. You can't hide away from it. As I say, it's a results business. There's only one way to stop it and that's to win the games.”
