Heckingbottom sacked by Preston following Lincoln loss | OneFootball

Preston North End have sacked manager Paul Heckingbottom after Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home to newly-promoted Lincoln City.

The Lilywhites recruited Heckingbottom with just one game gone into the 2024/25 season with Preston finishing 20th in the manager's first season before a 14th-placed finish last campaign.

"Football is a results business and despite significant investment in the playing squad since Paul joined, the results during 2026 and the start of this current campaign have not been acceptable," the club said in a statement.

"Paul leaves us with our thanks and best wishes. His professionalism and work ethic during his time with us have been second to none."

Heckingbottom's dismissal comes with the club 23rd in the Championship having won just one of their seven league games so far this season.

Assistant manager Jason Euell will be in charge for Preston in the interim with the Lancashire side next in action on Saturday away to Queens Park Rangers.