Ryan Lowe has made history as the first Championship manager to depart from their role this season, as Preston North End announced his departure ‘by mutual agreement.’
Next month, Blackburn Rovers will visit Deepdale, but the Preston North End dugout will feature a new face. The team has experienced unrest for several months, with fans expressing dissatisfaction with Lowe’s management.
Supporters have pointed to an unattractive style of play as the main source of their frustration with the former Plymouth Argyle manager. North End ended the previous season on a sour note, failing to score in their last five Championship matches and losing each one.
A 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United on the opening day of the season has seemingly been the final straw. It’s been confirmed this morning that Lowe has left ‘by mutual consent’.
A club statement read: “Preston North End can confirm that manager Ryan Lowe has left the club by mutual consent.
“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.”
Rovers travel to Deepdale on Sunday, September 22.