The League Paper

SUMMER FAILINGS HAUNTED HECKY’S SAD PNE

by
The LeaguePaper Team
20 September 2026

EXIT: Paul Heckingbottom

PAUL Heckingbottom was sacked by Preston after the Lily-whites lost six of their first seven games.
But the real damage was done in the summer. For all the money they spent on new players, I just don’t think their recruitment was good enough.
Yes, Alfie Devine did well on loan last summer. But he’s still a 22-year-old finding his feet in the game and a loan is very different to bearing all the expectation and responsibility that comes with a £6m transfer fee.
For that sort of money, a club of Preston’s resources need you to hit th...

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