Preston North End sack Paul Heckingbottom after poor run leaves them second-bottom

What happened, where, who said it, when and the main outcome: Preston North End have dismissed manager Paul Heckingbottom after a run that left the club second-bottom of the Championship following six defeats in seven games, the club announced after Saturday’s 1-0 home loss to Lincoln City at Deepdale.

Heckingbottom, appointed in August 2024, managed 109 games for the club. The statement underlined that despite significant investment in the playing squad since his arrival, results during 2026 and the start of the current campaign were not acceptable. The club thanked Heckingbottom for his professionalism and work ethic.

Assistant Stuart McCall has also left, while coach Jason Euell has been placed in interim charge ahead of a trip to QPR before the forthcoming three-week international break.

Under Heckingbottom Preston finished 20th in his first season, their lowest finish since returning to the Championship in 2015, avoiding relegation with a final-day draw at Bristol City. In 2025-26 they started strongly, losing only once in their first nine matches, but slipped to 14th after 12 defeats in the final 22 games.

The manager had backing in the transfer window with signings including defender Harry Clarke from Ipswich, midfielder Alfie Devine permanently from Tottenham, winger Stan Mills from Oxford United, midfielder Leo Leroy from Basel and forward Johnny Kenny from Celtic on deadline day.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The club cited unacceptable results during 2026 and at the start of the current campaign as the reason for the change. Heckingbottom departs with 109 games in charge and a record that included an FA Cup quarter-final run and a final-day relegation escape in his first season. Stuart McCall has also left and Jason Euell will act as interim manager for the next league fixture against QPR.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Paul Heckingbottom sacked after Preston sit second-bottom following six defeats in seven.
• Club statement referenced poor results in 2026 and the start of the current campaign; Heckingbottom managed 109 games since August 2024.
• Assistant Stuart McCall has left; Jason Euell appointed interim head coach with QPR next on the schedule.