Championship club part ways with manager just ONE GAME into new season

The Lilywhites did come unstuck in their second-tier opener, but faced a tough test against Sheffield United in their first game since dropping out of the Premier League. Disgruntled supporters did, however, air their opposition to Lowe’s ongoing presence at the end of a 2-0 defeat.

Lowe, who took in 125 games in charge of Preston, has agreed that a fresh start is the right call for all concerned. The feeling at Deepdale is that acting early gives the club the best possible chance of piecing together a productive season before the collective mood sours even further.

A statement on the club’s official website reads: “Ryan joined the club in December 2021, leading us to 13th, 12th and 10th-placed finishes in his two and a half seasons as the club’s first team manager. 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.”

Lowe previously spent 128 games in charge of Plymouth, who now have Wayne Rooney at the helm. The Manchester United legend is looking to rebuild his reputation in coaching, but is already facing tough questions of his own after overseeing a humbling 4-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday in his first competitive game as Pilgrims boss.