"Exciting addition" - Pundit backs Preston North End move for ex-Man City man to replace Ryan Lowe | OneFootball

We spoke to Carlton Palmer to get his take on Brian Barry-Murphy interest in taking up the Preston North End vacancy.

Following the mutual termination of Ryan Lowe's contract, Preston North End are in disarray as they look to resolve their managerial issues as soon as possible.

It was a massive shock when, last week, PNE announced that Lowe and the club had agreed to part ways after an opening-day defeat to Sheffield United.

This was followed up by another defeat in the league against Swansea City, which has since seen interim head coach Mike Marsh step down from his role.

Within this announcement, the club issued a statement stating: "We will now concentrate all our time and energy on appointing a new manager/head coach, and hope to be in a position to make an announcement in the coming days."

Unfortunately, it does not appear that the Deepdale faithful are any closer to finding out who their new boss will be anytime soon. A number of names have been thrown around, but former Rochdale head coach and Manchester City development manager Brian Barry-Murphy has indicated that he would be interested in the vacancy.

The 46-year-old was claimed to be on Preston's initial list, so this could be a deal that will get over the line soon.

Carlton Palmer gives verdict on Brian Barry-Murphy's interest

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, pundit and former England midfielder Carlton Palmer has revealed his thoughts on the news.

With Preston in limbo, he is currently confused about what is going on and points to a lack of direction at the head of the club.

"It's been a terrible start to the season for Preston North End - two defeats and they sit second bottom of the Championship.

"To lose Ryan Lowe for whatever reason is a strange set of circumstances. Given that the manager had the whole of pre-season, he recruited players, and then you get rid of him after just one game!

"Now Marsh, after the defeat to Swansea at the weekend, has departed the club."

Speaking about Brian Barry-Murphy's interest in the job, Palmer said: "He's put his name forward and applied for the managerial post.

"He left his role at Manchester City, where he was head coach of City's elite development squad, and he was previously manager of Rochdale - joining the club in 2019, before leaving to join Man City in July 2021. So, we haven't got a history to go off for Barry-Murphy and what he has done in managerial jobs before."

Discussing the current situation at the club, Palmer acknowledged that the circumstances seem challenging. He pointed to the recruitment efforts, noting that they have not met the necessary standards of a Championship side.

Lack of experience could cost Barry-Murphy the Preston North End job

As Palmer noted, the one glaring concern for Barry-Murphy's hopes of securing the job is that he has only completed two managerial roles in his career.

While his time at Manchester City would have provided valuable learning opportunities, managing a team of fully developed players presents a very different challenge. Moreover, his tenure at Rochdale was relatively underwhelming, with a points-per-game average of just 1.16 over 105 matches.

If he was to be successful at North End, he would have to step up these numbers significantly, as the Deepdale faithful wouldn't accept a relegation battle.

The only thing that could tip the job in his favour, is his connection with Manchester City. If he was signed as head coach, his links would make recruitment easier, with the loan deals for young players being risk-free in this day and age.

Whether this will be enough to sway the Preston board remains to be seen. However, with the club in need of direction and Barry-Murphy expressing his keen interest, he could be the straightforward choice for Craig Hemmings.