Football News: Preston North End Seek New Manager, Eyeing Experienced Candidates
Preston North End have drawn up a shortlist of potential candidates to become their new manager, with a mix of experienced and up-and-coming options on the table.
Among the names being considered are Alex Neil, a former Preston boss who is currently out of work, as well as Brian Barry-Murphy, the ex-Preston player who is currently in charge of Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad and works closely with Pep Guardiola.
Other contenders include John Eustace, the Blackburn Rovers manager, and Scott Lindsey, the Crawley Town boss. Additionally, former Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett and ex-Stoke City assistant Paul Gallagher, both currently unemployed, are also on the list.
The club is hoping to make a swift appointment, having mutually agreed to part ways with Ryan Lowe just one game into the new EFL Championship season. Lowe’s departure came after Preston were booed off the pitch following a 2-0 home defeat against Sheffield United in their opening fixture.
“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. I think now is the right time for the club to go in a different direction.”
Preston’s Director, Peter Ridsdale, acknowledged that the club had a long chat with Lowe at the end of last season, but ultimately it was the manager’s decision to step down. Ridsdale emphasized that the club is proud of its approach, stating:
“As a football club, we’re proud of the fact we don’t just hire and fire managers.”
The search for a new manager comes as Preston sit 23rd in the EFL Championship table, only above Plymouth Argyle, after the opening weekend of the season.
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