Wigan Athletic head coach Ryan Lowe has admitted he enjoyed getting one over former club Preston North End in last night’s FA Cup third round clash.
The 47-year-old caused a stir in August 2024 when he left the Lilywhites just one game into the new season. It brought to an end a two-and-a-half-year stay at Deepdale, where he had just achieved a respectable 10th placed finish in the Championship.
It was a decision which sparked widespread debate at the time amongst supporters, with the club revealing that the ex-Plymouth Argyle boss had asked to leave in the aftermath of their opening day defeat against Sheffield United. Paul Heckingbottom was eventually brought in as his successor, where he only avoided relegation to League One on the final day of the campaign.
FA Cup Presents Reunion Opportunity
Seven months after his departure from the Lancashire-based club, Lowe resurfaced across the county at Wigan. In the midst of his first full season in charge, form has been indifferent and they currently lie 15th in League One.
The FA Cup has provided some respite, although the Latics endured a tricky run to the third round. They required penalty shootout victories over Hemel Hempstead Town and Barrow to set up a trip to the head coach’s former hunting ground.
Only the world’s most famous cup competition could produce a tie like this, giving the ex-striker a shot at facing his former employers. The 2013 champions grasped the opportunity with both hands.
It was a cagey affair, which saw the third tier side take the lead through Harrison Bettoni with 15 minutes remaining. Despite missing a penalty in the closing stages, they held on to secure a famous win.
🚨 Ryan Lowe celebrating a tactical masterclass & a victory over Paul Heckingbottoms North End.
What went wrong tonight PNE fans?#pnefc #wafc pic.twitter.com/SpX82Ohi9G
— North End Podcast (@nepdailypod) January 9, 2026
Lowe Revels In Triumph
Preston threw everything at their opponents in the final quarter of the game, but were unable to find a breakthrough. This sparked triumphant scenes from Wigan at the final whistle, with Lowe clearly delighted. Speaking after the game, he admitted it was ‘a special moment’:
“It was a special moment and if [the fans] are going to give stick, you’ve got to be able to take it back and I relished that at the end of that game to give it back.”
“Now [the reunion] is done and dusted, I’d love to go back and support them and watch games.”
It’s fair to say his celebrations weren’t popular amongst the home faithful. Expletives could be heard from the stands during post match interviews, with Preston fans making their thoughts clear towards their former boss.
Wigan will now await their fate in Monday’s fourth round draw whilst preparing for another derby against Bolton Wanderers next weekend.