Preston North End axe former Sheffield United, Barnsley FC and Leeds United boss Paul Heckingbottom
A former Sheffield United, Barnsley and Leeds United boss has been axed by an EFL club
Preston North End have relieved former Sheffield United, Barnsley and Leeds United boss Paul Heckingbottom of his duties.
The 49-year-old is a familiar face across Yorkshire and much of his managerial career has been spent in the county.
He led Barnsley to promotion from League One in 2016 and was the man who steered Sheffield United to promotion from the Championship in 2022. His spell at the Leeds helm in 2018 was not as successful and he was axed after less than four months in post.
Preston appointed Heckingbottom as their manager in 2024 and the Lilywhites have finished 20th and 14th across the last two Championship seasons.
They have crawled out of the traps this term and a run of six losses in seven league games has prompted the club hierarchy to take action. Heckingbottom’s assistant, former Bradford City manager Stuart McCall, has also left Deepdale.
Preston North End wield axe
A club spokesperson said: “Preston North End Football Club have today taken the decision to part company with Paul Heckingbottom as first-team football manager.
Football is a results business and despite significant investment in the playing squad since Paul joined, the results during 2026 and the start of this current campaign have not been acceptable.
“Paul leaves us with our thanks and best wishes. His professionalism and work ethic during his time with us have been second to none.
“As a result of this decision Stuart McCall has also left the club today. We similarly thank Stuart for his contribution over the last two years and wish him all the best for the future.
“We will now look to appoint a new manager as soon as possible but until such time as we do Jason Euell will take charge of first-team matters on an interim basis.”