Profile
Paul Heckingbottom is the manager of Preston North End, where he took charge of the Championship club in December 2023. The 48-year-old English coach has built a reputation as a capable operator in the second tier, tasked with guiding Preston towards promotion contention and establishing stability after previous managerial upheaval.
Heckingbottom's playing career saw him appear as a defender for several clubs including Sunderland, before transitioning into coaching and management. He gained prominence managing Barnsley in the Championship, leading them to the play-offs and establishing himself as an emerging talent. Previous roles at Sheffield United and other Football League clubs demonstrated his experience at competitive levels. His appointment at Preston represented a significant opportunity to cement his credentials at a storied club with considerable resources and ambition in the Championship.
Background sources include Wikipedia.