Former Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom sacked by Preston North End
Preston North End have made the decision to sack former Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom.
Former Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom has been sacked by Preston North End.
Heckingbottom, who led United to promotion to the Premier League in 2022/23, has been dismissed after overseeing six defeats in North End’s first seven Championship matches of the season.
The Lancashire outfit were beaten 1-0 by Lincoln City at Deepdale on Saturday, leaving them 23rd in the Championship table with just three points to their name. Heckingbottom has left the club alongside former United midfielder and assistant boss Stuart McCall.
A statement issued by North End on Sunday afternoon said: “Preston North End Football Club have today taken the decision to part company with Paul Heckingbottom as First Team Football Manager.
“Football is a results business and despite significant investment in the playing squad since Paul joined, the results during 2026 and the start of this current campaign have not been acceptable.
“Paul leaves us with our thanks and best wishes. His professionalism and work ethic during his time with us have been second to none.
“As a result of this decision Stuart McCall has also left the Club today. We similarly thank Stuart for his contribution over the last two years and wish him all the best for the future.
“We will now look to appoint a new manager as soon as possible but until such time as we do Jason Euell will take charge of first team matters on an interim basis.”
North End, who recorded their only Championship win of the season so far with a 2-1 triumph over Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers just over a week ago, have struggled for positive results throughout 2026, losing 17 of their 29 Championship matches and winning seven.
Heckingbottom was appointed North End boss in August 2024 after replacing former Sheffield Wednesday striker Ryan Lowe at Deepdale.