Preston North End sack manager Paul Heckingbottom after poor start

Preston North End has sacked manager Paul Heckingbottom and his assistant Stuart McCall following a poor start to the 2026-27 Championship season. The club announced the decision on September 13, 2026, stating that results during 2026 and the beginning of the current campaign have been "unacceptable" despite "significant investment in the playing squad." The dismissal came after a 1-0 home defeat to Lincoln City on September 12, which left Preston second-bottom of the Championship table. The team has recorded one win and six losses in its first seven league matches of the season. The club's statement emphasized that football is a results business and thanked Heckingbottom for his professionalism and work ethic during his tenure. Heckingbottom, 49, had been in charge at Deepdale since August 2024. His departure marks the first managerial sacking in the Championship this season. In total, he oversaw 109 competitive matches for Preston, winning 30, drawing 38, and losing 41. The team's form had deteriorated significantly in 2026, losing 17 of its 29 league games during the calendar year.