Preston North End: Paul Heckingbottom sacked after poor start
Preston North End has officially parted ways with manager Paul Heckingbottom after a series of losses left the team in the Championship relegation zone. The club cited unacceptable results despite significant investment in the squad.
Why it matters
This reflects the financial and competitive stakes in English football, where underperforming clubs often resort to managerial changes to avoid relegation.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Saturday's home defeat by Lincoln was Preston's sixth in seven league games this season
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.
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