Ryan Lowe leaves Preston after just one game of new Championship season

Mike Marsh steps up as caretaker for next two matches after former Plymouth manager resigns at Deepdale following defeat by Sheffield United

Ryan Lowe is the first departure of the new season after leaving Preston North End just one match into the campaign.
Lowe’s three-year reign is over following crunch talks with club director Peter Ridsdale hours after the 2-0 home defeat by Sheffield United on Friday night. It was Preston’s sixth successive Championship defeat, a sequence in which they failed to score.
It is understood Lowe offered his resignation over the weekend and further discussions with the Preston hierarchy ended with official confirmation of his exit on Monday morning.
Former Preston manager David Moyes has been linked with an unlikely return, while Paul Heckingbottom and Tony Mowbray are also expected to come into contention.
Mike Marsh, Peter Murphy and Ched Evans are set to temporarily take charge of the team for this week’s matches with Sunderland and Swansea.
A statement from Ridsdale said: “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.”
Lowe posted a statement to the Preston fans on Monday and acknowledged he could not take the club any further.
“Obviously, as you know, my time at Preston North End has come to an end,” former Bury and Plymouth manager Lowe said.
“I’ve had an unbelievable two-and-a-half years, met some incredible people and coached some fantastic players, but I feel now is the right time to move on.
“I think now is the right time for the club to go in a different direction. I’ve always stressed since I walked through the door that if I can’t take the club any further, I’d leave it to someone else and that’s what I’m doing. I’m leaving the club in a good place with a fantastic squad, and I just wish the football club and everyone associated with it all the best in the future.”