Preston North End have announced the departure of manager Ryan Lowe after just ONE game of the new Championship season.
Lowe's side suffered a 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United on Friday to compound a miserable end to last season. The former Bury and Plymouth Argyle manager, 45, had been in charge since December 2021.
Preston chairman Peter Ridsdale commented on the decision to part ways: "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.
"Ryan leaves with the thanks of everyone at the club for his hard work, dedication and commitment, and we wish him and his family the very best for the future. For the two upcoming fixtures against Sunderland and Swansea City this week, Mike Marsh - accompanied by Peter Murphy and Ched Evans - will be in charge of the team.
"Arrangements beyond these two fixtures will be announced next week."
Preston ended the 2023-24 season on a disastrous five-game losing streak, failing to score a single goal. Friday's defeat to Sheffield United saw Lowe booed off by sections of the home crowd, highlighting the level of discontent around Deepdale.
Over the summer, club captain Alan Browne left the club after turning down the offer of a new contract. The Republic of Ireland international went on to join Championship rivals Sunderland, who Preston coincidentally face at home on Tuesday in the Carabao Cup first round.
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Lowe began his two-and-a-half-year reign by succeeding Frankie McAvoy, who'd replaced long-time boss Alex Neil in early 2021. Stabilising the team, Lowe guided Preston to a 13th-placed finish in his first campaign before 12th and 10th in the two full seasons that followed.
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The 45-year-old Liverpudlian becomes the first managerial casualty of the new EFL season. Lowe won 47 of his 118 games in charge, drawing 30 and losing 48, scoring 144 goals and conceding 176 in the process. Preston's next league fixture is a trip to Swansea on Saturday. They'll then host Luton Town and travel to Oxford United before the end of the month.
The Lilywhites have bolstered their squad with three new signings so far. Midfielder Stefan Thordarson signed from Icelandic club Silkeborg, forward Sam Greenwood was loaned in from Leeds United, and wing-back Kaine Kesler-Hayden joined on a season-long loan from Aston Villa.
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