Former Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom is in the frame to be the new Preston manager and would be keen if given the opportunity, according to reports.
Preston have only played one game in the Championship this season, but already face the issue of needing a new manager for the rest of the campaign.
The club recently announced the departure of manager Ryan Lowe by to mutual consent, and have begun the search for a new manager to lead them during the 2024/25 campaign.
Lowe was revealed to be unhappy at the club for some time, and last Friday’s defeat to Sheffield United was the last straw for his time with the Lancashire club.
With the search firmly underway for the new manager, a former Premier League manager is said to be keen on the vacancy.
Heckingbottom to Preston?
According to Alan Nixon, former Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom is interested in succeeding Ryan Lowe to become the new Preston North End manager.
Heckingbottom is said to be very keen on the vacancy and it would certainly be one he would take up if the opportunity is offered to him.
When Preston had been considering other options to Lowe earlier in the year, and Heckingbottom was reportedly one of the managers in the frame to replace him.
Heckingbottom truly made his name in the coaching game during his time at Sheffield United, helping them get promoted from the Championship in 2023.
He was sacked in December of the same year after a poor run of form after their return to the top flight left the club wanting a fresh start away from Heckingbottom.
Should Preston Appoint Him?
Heckingbottom represents an interesting managerial option that the Lilywhites have to ponder in the coming weeks.
Although he has promotion-winning experience at this level, his play style left a lot to be desired for the Sheffield United fans at the time.
He could well be a great option for the club, but with so many options out there for this vacancy, he will certainly have competition for the role.