Preston North End act after seven defeats, sack Heckingbottom

Preston North End have sacked Paul Heckingbottom after seven games of the 2026 season, citing "unacceptable" results following a 1-0 home defeat to Lincoln City that left the Lilywhites second‑bottom of the Championship with just three points.

Season's disastrous start

The club’s poor start follows a record‑breaking summer outlay of around £15million on new signings. Heckingbottom, 49, had been in the role for just over two years and had overseen 109 games in total.

Since January he has managed 27 league games, winning five, while another source records seven wins from 29 games – a clear discrepancy in the club’s recent form. Fans turned against the former Leeds United boss on Saturday, chanting for his dismissal after the loss.

Club's response and interim plan

A statement released on 13 Sep 2026 by the Club, written by Daniel Marsh, Senior Sports Reporter for Sport, thanked Heckingbottom for his professionalism and announced that Stuart McCall also left the Club today.

Jason Euell, described in the release as a Premier League cult hero, will take charge of first‑team matters on an interim basis. The club confirmed a trip to QPR looming on Saturday before a three‑week international break.

Heckingbottom told the Lancashire Evening Post, "Yes, I understand [the chants]. You can't hide away from it. It's a results business and there's only one way to stop it and that's to win the games."

Comments from supporters poured in on social media, with many urging a swift appointment of a new manager. Follow the club’s updates on its website, where View 2 Images and an Image: Shaun Brooks/CameraSport accompany the announcement.