“The standout candidate” – Pundit tips 47-year-old for Preston North End vacancy

Carlton Palmer has suggested that Paul Heckingbottom would be the perfect choice to replace Ryan Lowe at Preston North End. According to Alan Nixon, Heckingbottom, who previously managed Sheffield United and led them to Premier League promotion in 2023, is considered a strong candidate for the role following Lowe’s recent departure. Heckingbottom is reportedly interested in the position at Deepdale.

Sky Sports has also mentioned that Alex Neil might make a return to Deepdale, as he is on the club’s shortlist, with Brian Barry-Murphy also being considered. However, the Lancashire Post has reported that, as of Wednesday, Peter Ridsdale and the team have not yet finalized their preferred candidates for the job.

In the meantime, Lowe’s former assistant Mike Marsh, along with Peter Murphy and player-coach Ched Evans, are temporarily managing the squad while the club continues its search for a permanent replacement.

Carlton Palmer pinpoints reason for Ryan Lowe decision

Former England international Carlton Palmer believes that the breakdown in the relationship between Ryan Lowe and Preston North End supporters likely contributed to Lowe’s decision to leave his position. Palmer suggests that any potential new managers will likely want to speak with Lowe to understand his reasons for departing, as he may have significant insights to share.

Palmer told Football League World, “Preston North End parted ways with Ryan Lowe after their opening match of the season, where they lost 2-0 to Sheffield United. Lowe was booed off the pitch, which was part of a string of six consecutive league defeats without scoring if you include the end of last season.

“The club has described the departure as a mutual decision. From what I recall, Lowe was unhappy with his transfer activity last season and the players he was able to bring in or let go.

“He did a commendable job at Preston, and it’s disheartening for a manager to face such criticism, especially after just one game of the new season. This likely contributed to the mutual decision for him to leave.

“Names like Alex Neil, Paul Heckingbottom, and Brian Barry-Murphy have been mentioned as potential replacements. It’s natural for candidates to want to discuss the situation with Lowe to gain insight into why he left after just one game.

“It’s surprising to see a manager depart so soon after pre-season preparations. If the club was committed to keeping him, they could have had a discussion before making such a decision.

“Alex Neil and Brian Barry-Murphy have both had successful stints at their previous clubs, so they are solid candidates to consider.”

Carlton Palmer tips Paul Heckingbottom to replace Ryan Lowe

Palmer believes that Paul Heckingbottom is the ideal candidate for the Preston North End role, citing his impressive work with Sheffield United. “I’ve mentioned this repeatedly, but it’s really puzzling to me that Paul Heckingbottom hasn’t landed another job yet; it’s surprising that no club has snapped him up,” Palmer said.

He commended Heckingbottom for his outstanding performance at Sheffield United, noting that despite managing a squad nearing the end of its cycle, Heckingbottom achieved promotion with ease. Palmer added that there are many names on Preston’s shortlist, including former Preston and Blackburn manager John Eustace.

“He wasn’t given a fair crack of the whip in the Premier League, that’s all been documented.

“So, as long as everything is right at Preston North End, and Paul will want it that way in terms of he’s proven he can work with a limited budget and be successful, but he’ll want to know everything is alright.

“For me, he would be the standout candidate for the new manager role.”

Paul Heckingbottom appointment would be excellent for Preston North End

Despite facing challenges behind the scenes at Sheffield United last season, Paul Heckingbottom managed to build a team that achieved a notable promotion to the Premier League. However, their time in the top flight did not reflect Heckingbottom’s managerial abilities, as the lack of investment left them struggling to compete at that level.

Heckingbottom’s experience in working with limited resources could be particularly valuable at Preston North End, who operate with one of the Championship’s lower budgets and lack parachute payments. His potential appointment would be a significant boost for the club. While some may prefer a younger, trendier candidate from abroad, such as someone like Danny Rohl, Heckingbottom could offer much-needed stability.

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