The Lilywhites started their Championship season with a defeat to Heckingbottom’s former club, Sheffield United. Mere days later, Ryan Lowe left his role as Preston manager by mutual consent.
Former Huddersfield Town coach Mike Marsh took the reins on an interim basis, overseeing two games, but stepped down at the weekend. Heckingbottom has now been confirmed as Lowe’s permanent successor, with trusted lieutenant Stuart McCall joining as his assistant.
“Experience is key. Knowing the players helps, and then having success in this league helps, so we know what it takes to compete. We know what it takes to do well and you can give that clear direction to try and get there, and that’s the aim.
“The short-term goals are to get back on track. Longer term, we want to be a really, really competitive team in this league. We want to play in a way the fans can enjoy and in a way that gets the best out of the players, and when you get that it can be really powerful.”
The 47-year-old led Sheffield United to promotion from the Championship last year, but was dismissed following an underwhelming start to life in the Premier League. He has also led Yorkshire outfits Barnsley and Leeds, as well as Scottish outfit Hibernian.
Preston director Peter Ridsdale said: “I’m delighted that Paul Heckingbottom has joined us as first-team manager. We identified that we wanted Paul to be the man to take us forward and moved swiftly over the weekend. We met on Sunday, finalised the details late last night and he’s here with us today, ready to get to work.
“I’m now looking forward with confidence with Paul and Stuart McCall in charge, and I think all Preston North End fans can be really excited about the season ahead.”
United’s draw has landed them in a group of death with some of the biggest clubs in the competition in Barnsley, Huddersfield Town, and Doncaster Rovers.A cup competition for League One and League Two clubs, the EFL Trophy has welcomed the u21s sides of Category One academies since the 2016/17 season.
An opportunity to gain experience against senior opposition, u21s manager Travis Binnion believes “alongside the Youth Cup for the Under-18s, the EFL Trophy is our biggest regular competition.”
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