Preston to Stick With Paul Heckingbottom After Stoke Win Eases Pressure

Preston North End are set to stick with Paul Heckingbottom until the end of the season, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

There had been growing discontent around the club as another campaign looked to be petering out.

But Heckingbottom alleviated the pressure on his position with a timely 3-1 victory over Stoke City heading into the international break.

Our sources understand the board were set to review the 48-year-old’s position during the break after four defeats on the spin stretched their sorry run to one win in 13, which started with an embarrassing FA Cup defeat to lowly League One outfit Wigan Athletic.

But beating Stoke pushed Preston back into the top half of the Championship table and with seven games left there is now optimism they can finish the campaign strongly.

Heckingbottom joined the club in August 2024 following the departure of Ryan Lowe just one game into the campaign. 

The Lilywhites finished 20th last season and have made decent strides this term despite their recent faltering form. 

West Bromwich Albion were also linked with a move for Heckingbottom following the sacking of Eric Ramsay, but talks never progressed and the club instead placed James Morrison in interim charge.

Difference A Win Makes

Heckingbottom was downbeat in his pre-match press conference, with a number of fans thinking his time at the club was up.

But speaking after the win, he said: “Listen, I've been saying it's about the wins. No-one is interested in what you say when you're not winning, you know it's about the win.”

“Everyone turned up. That will make everyone feel better, definitely.”

“I think this week I was speaking and you can't not lose a bit of belief, confidence when you're taking knocks. But credit to the players... I think one thing we've done well is be really honest.”

“You're saying relief, if anyone starts down in tools or speaks like that, like you guys, Peter, anyone, there's no chance, no chance. I'll either get sacked, or walk out or chin someone - something will happen without a doubt.”

“The fans responded to the players. It was excellent all round.”