PRESTON North End have fired manager Paul Heckingbottom following six defeats in their first seven Championship games.
Preston lost 1-0 at home to newly promoted Lincoln City on Saturday afternoon, leaving them with only three points.
They appeared in a 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers last weekend.
Heckingbottom, 49, was appointed in August 2024 and managed a 14th-place finish last season, after finishing one point above the relegation zone the previous campaign.
He is the first managerial casualty in the second tier this season.
Preston said: “Preston North End Football Club have today taken the decision to part company with Paul Heckingbottom as first team football manager.”Despite massive investment in the playing roster since Paul’s arrival, the team’s performance in 2026 and early in the current season has been unacceptable.
We applaud Paul and wish him the best. He has demonstrated exceptional professionalism and work ethic while with us.As a result of this decision, Stuart McCall has departed the club today. We appreciate Stuart’s contributions over the past two years and wish him continued success.
We will now look to find a new manager as quickly as possible, but until then, Jason Euell will handle first-team matters on an interim basis.”
Saints’ first Championship encounter with the Lancashire club is set for Saturday, November 7.
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