Preston North End have sacked Paul Heckingbottom as manager after just one win in their opening seven league games of the 2026-27 season.
Their run of one win in their first seven league matches have left Preston sat second bottom on goal difference in the Championship, just ahead of Lancashire rivals – Burnley who have a worse goal difference of -8 to the Lilywhites’ -7.
Preston also failed to pick up a single victory in this season’s Carabao Cup as they scraped past Huddersfield 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the first round, before they lost 4-0 at home to Everton in the second round.
In a club statement, Preston explained that results were behind their decision to sack Heckingbottom but thanked him for his efforts to try and revive their results.
“Preston North End Football Club have today taken the decision to part company with Paul Heckingbottom as First Team Football Manager.
“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.
“Paul leaves us with our thanks and best wishes. His professionalism and work ethic during his time with us have been second to none.”
Preston also confirmed that assistant manager, Stuart McCall has also been relieved of his duties and that Jason Euell will take interim charge until a new manager is announced.
“As a result of this decision Stuart McCall has also left the Club today. We similarly thank Stuart for his contribution over the last two years and wish him all the best for the future.
“We will now look to appoint a new manager as soon as possible but until such time as we do Jason Euell will take charge of first team matters on an interim basis.”
Heckingbottom has left Preston after 109 games in charge in which he oversaw 30 wins, 38 draws and 41 defeats since he took charge in August 2024.
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