Preston have appointed former Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom as their new boss.
Heckingbottom guided the Blades to the Premier League in 2022-23 but was sacked last December.
The 47-year-old replaces Ryan Lowe following his shock departure after just one game into the season.
He will be in the dugout for Saturday’s Championship clash against Luton, alongside Stuart McCall who has been named assistant.
“It’s a club I know well for lots of reasons and a league I know well, so it was a pretty easy decision,” Heckingbottom told the club website.
“Experience is key. Knowing the players helps, and then having success in this league helps, so we know what it takes to compete.
Introducing our new gaffer. 💙#pnefc
— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) August 20, 2024
“We know what it takes to do well and you can give that clear direction to try and get there, and that’s the aim.
“The short-term goals are to get back on track. Longer term, we want to be a really, really competitive team in this league.”
Heckingbottom began his managerial career at Barnsley, guiding them to promotion from League One in 2016.
He has also spent time in charge of Leeds and Hibernian before taking over Sheffield United in 2021.
Preston are 23rd in the Championship after losing both their games so far, though they did beat Sunderland 2-0 in the Carabao Cup first round.
