Paul Heckingbottom sacked by Preston after poor start

By the Editorial Team · Monday, September 14, 2026

Preston North End has sacked manager Paul Heckingbottom after losing six of their last seven Championship games, with assistant Stuart McCall also leaving the club. Jason Euell has been named interim manager as the team seeks to improve their position near the bottom of the league table.

Preston North End dismissed manager Paul Heckingbottom following a 1-0 home defeat to Lincoln City, marking the club’s sixth loss in seven Championship matches this season. The team’s poor run of form has left them near the bottom of the league standings, currently positioned just above Burnley, who themselves suffered a 3-1 defeat to second-placed Swansea City.

Heckingbottom, 49, was appointed in August 2024 but has overseen only one league victory this season, a win against Blackburn Rovers. Alongside Heckingbottom, assistant manager Stuart McCall has also departed from Deepdale. In response to the results, Preston has installed coach Jason Euell as interim manager.

A club statement cited the ongoing struggles, noting that recent performances throughout 2026 and the current campaign have been unsatisfactory, prompting the leadership change in hopes of reversing the team’s fortunes.

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