Preston North End’s start to the new Championship season has been far from ideal, and it has already led to significant changes at Deepdale.
The Lilywhites, who finished 10th in the Championship last season, were handed a disappointing home defeat on the first day of the new campaign, losing 2-0 to Sheffield United. The loss proved to be the catalyst for a managerial change, as Preston confirmed on Monday morning that they had parted ways with Ryan Lowe.
Lowe, who took charge of the club in December 2021, had led Preston to a respectable mid-table finish last season, but the poor start to the current campaign, which sees the club sitting 23rd in the division, forced the club’s hierarchy to make a change. In a statement, Preston announced: “Following discussions that took place on Sunday 11th August, it was mutually agreed that now was an appropriate time for a change to be made.”
The defeat to Sheffield United was a particularly tough pill to swallow for Lowe and his team. The Blades, who are newly relegated from the Premier League, looked sharp and clinical at Deepdale, with goals from Oliver Arblaster and Gustavo Hamer securing all three points for Chris Wilder’s side. Despite a spirited performance, Preston struggled to convert their chances, managing 11 shots but only two on target.
Speaking after the game, Lowe expressed his frustration with the result but defended his players, particularly goalkeeper Fred, who made a costly error leading to Hamer’s goal. “I thought we had real impetus and were on top,” Lowe said. “The decision Fred has made, it is a genuine mistake. I thought he was fantastic all game – his distribution was brilliant, and there is no blame culture here, from us.”
Lowe acknowledged the quality of the opposition and the challenges his team faced against a side that had just been relegated from the top flight. “We knew what we were coming up against, we just felt we could be better in possession, not turn the ball over as much, and be more fluent at the top end,” he added. “I think we had 11 shots, but only two on target, so we need more. We had some good moments, and you are coming up against a quality opposition and manager – who knows the league inside out. We knew it was going to be tough. At two-nil, it is hard to recover.”
The decision to part ways with Lowe so early in the season reflects the club’s determination to avoid a repeat of last year’s mid-table finish and to push for a stronger campaign this time around. Lowe’s departure is just the latest in a series of managerial changes in the Championship, with QPR, Watford, and Millwall also making early-season adjustments. The Championship is notorious for its managerial merry-go-round, and this season is proving to be no different, with clubs acting swiftly in response to poor results.
For Preston North End, the immediate focus will be on steadying the ship as they prepare for their Carabao Cup clash against Sunderland on Tuesday and a challenging away trip to Swansea City in the Championship this weekend. Former Liverpool and West Ham man Mike Marsh has been appointed as interim manager and will take charge of the team for these crucial fixtures. He will be assisted by Peter Murphy and veteran striker Ched Evans, who will provide additional support and experience to the coaching staff.
Lowe’s managerial career has seen him take charge of clubs like Bury, where he ended his playing career, and Plymouth Argyle before his appointment at Preston. Despite showing promise during his tenure at Deepdale, the poor start to the season ultimately cost him his job. As Preston look to move forward, the club will be hoping that Marsh can inspire a turnaround in fortunes and guide the team back up the Championship table.
The early season managerial change at Preston North End highlights the high stakes and pressures that come with managing in the Championship. With the club sitting near the bottom of the table after just one game, the decision to part ways with Lowe underscores the club’s ambition and desire for success. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Preston responds to this early setback and whether they can climb the ranks in one of football’s most competitive divisions.
