Former Preston North End Manager Speaks On Departure

Ex-Preston North End boss Ryan Lowe has spoken about his reasons for departing the club just one game into the season.

The former Plymouth Argyle boss exited the setup at Deepdale following a 2-0 loss at home to Sheffield United on opening day. He spent two and a half years in Lancashire but had never finished higher than tenth in the Championship.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, Lowe revealed his reasons why he left Preston, stating: “I always said that if I couldn’t feel I could take the club any further, I would show my hand.

“Throughout the summer I’m thinking I can build a good squad, to try and compete and get into the top six. We fell short of that last season, through injuries and whatever.

“The pre-season, I’m thinking ‘okay, I feel a good vibe about the place’, we’d signed some good players. Then we were on with some more players, we couldn’t get some, we could get some.

“Then I spoke with Peter Ridsdale, who was a diamond by the way, and the chairman Craig Hemmings and I just said that I think it’s about time that I move on and leave the club to someone else.”

The 45-year-old was replaced by his assistant Mike Marsh, who took charge of the EFL Cup game against Sunderland and the loss to Swansea City. He departed following the match, with former Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom taking permanent charge at The Lilywhites.

Under the Barnsley-born coach, North End have been unbeaten, winning against Luton Town before a decisive victory over League Two Harrogate Town yesterday. They travel to Oxford United this weekend, with a match against Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers on the horizon.

Lowe has already had his name linked with other vacant jobs, such as with Preston’s West Lancashire Derby rivals Blackpool following the sacking of Neil Critchley. The Gazette have since squashed those claims, with Richard Keogh taking interim charge at Bloomfield Road.

Writer’s View

Ryan Lowe clearly felt that it was his time to leave Preston North End and his decision was clearly respected by the hierarchy at the club. He did make marginal improvements in the club’s fortunes but could not get them that final push to get play-off football. Considering the money at the top of the Championship it might have been a very difficult mountain to climb.

Paul Heckingbottom is now in charge at Deepdale and the fans must be excited from the performances so far. Luton are a promotion challenger and held strong to beat Rob Edwards’ side despite mounting pressure in the second half. Whilst they were expected to trounce Harrogate, they still delivered to put in a strong performance with a much-changed lineup. Should they continue their form going forwards, they could have a shot at the top six under a highly-regarded boss.