Preston North End have announced that interim boss Mike Marsh has stepped down from his role following Saturday’s defeat at the hands of Swansea City. It comes after former manager Ryan Lowe confirmed that he was leaving the club after the opening game of the Championship season.
Marsh stepped in to replace Lowe on a temporary basis at Preston but endured a nightmare start to his reign on Saturday. They fell to a chastening 3-0 defeat to Swansea, leaving the Deepdale club on two losses from their opening two games without scoring a single goal.
Things went from bad to worse after the final whistle at the Liberty Stadium, with Preston announcing that Marsh had left his interim role with immediate effect.
In a statement, they said: “Following today’s defeat in South Wales, Mike has thanked the club for the opportunity to take interim charge, but he does not wish to apply for the job on a permanent basis or take the club forward.
“Mike will therefore leave the club with our sincere thanks and best wishes for the future. We will now concentrate all our time and energy on appointing a new manager/head coach and hope to be in a position to make an announcement in the coming days.”
Marsh did not take part in his post-match media duties after Preston’s defeat at Swansea before his exit was confirmed. It remains to be seen if the Championship outfit will appoint a new manager before their Carabao Cup second-round match against Harrogate Town on Tuesday.
It comes a week after Lowe relinquished his role at Deepdale, bringing an end to his two-and-a-half-year spell in charge of the club. He left by mutual consent after Preston were beaten at home by Sheffield United on the opening day of the Championship campaign.
Announcing his departure, the former Bury and Plymouth Argyle boss 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.”
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures, and video on this breaking news story.
Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @DExpress_Sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real-time.
We’re also on Facebook @DailyExpressSport – offering your must-see news, features, videos, and pictures throughout the day to like, comment, and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express, and Express.co.uk.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk