Preston North End have appointed Paul Heckingbottom as their new manager.
Heckingbottom’s appointment came just over a week after Ryan Lowe resigned as manager, following a 2-0 home loss to Heckingbottom’s former team – Sheffield United in their opening match of the season.
The 47 year-old arrives at Deepdale with two promotions to his name, having first taken his hometown club, Barnsley into the Championship via 2016 League One Play-Offs.
He then guided Sheffield Utd to promotion as Championship runners-up in 2022-23 season, although the Blades were relegated straight back down from the Premier League at end of last season.
Speaking about his latest managerial appointment, Heckingbottom said that he is “really delighted” to be back in the dugout but iterated that experience will be crucial to ultimately securing a third promotion.
“Experience is key. Knowing the players helps, and then having success in this league helps, so we know what it takes to compete. We know what it takes to do well and you can give that clear direction to try and get there, and that’s the aim.
“The short-term goals are to get back on track. Longer term, we want to be a really, really competitive team in this league.
“We want to play in a way the fans can enjoy and in a way that gets the best out of the players, and when you get that it can be really powerful.”
Preston Director, Peter Ridsdale added that he is “delighted” to secure Heckingbottom, and believes that he can get the club back on track after a tricky start to the season.
“I’m now looking forward with confidence with Paul and Stuart McCall in charge, and I think all Preston North End fans can be really excited about the season ahead.”
Heckingbottom also had stints in charge of Leeds United and Hibernian.
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