Exclusive: Paul Heckingbottom to be named new Preston North End manager
Preston North End are set to name ex-Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom as their new manager in the next 24 hours, sources have told Football Insider.
Heckingbottom has agreed terms with the Deepdale hierarchy and an announcement is imminent.
The former Sheffield United and Leeds manager will head in to the Championship club following the opening-weekend departure of Ryan Lowe.
Lowe departed Preston on 12 August, just days after their 2-0 defeat at home against Sheffield United.
Interim boss Mike Marsh also left after just two games in charge following a 3-0 loss against Swansea on Saturday (17 August).
Heckingbottom’s last role was at Sheffield United but he was sacked by the Blades in December 2023 with the club bottom of the Premier League.
He guided the Yorkshire club to promotion from the Championship in the 2022-23 campaign as second-tier runners-up.
Preston set to appoint Heckingbottom after Lowe exit
The 47-year-old has taken charge of 73 games in the second tier, winning 43.
Heckingbottom has also taken charge of Hibernian, Leeds and Barnsley – and won the EFL Trophy during his time at Oakwell.
Preston sit 23rd in the Championship table after two games of the new season and have a goal difference of minus five.
The Lilywhites have completed four signings so far in the summer window, including Danish winger Jeppe Okkels and Leeds youngster Sam Greenwood.
Heckingbottom could take charge of his first game against relegated Luton on Saturday (24 August).
In other news, winner named after Championship race for Chelsea defender.
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