Peter Ridsdale reveals what was said in over 4 hour chat with Ryan Lowe prior manager’s exit

Preston director Peter Ridsdale reveals what was said in over what ended up being a 4 hour chat with Ryan Lowe prior the manager’s exit.

The club are actively seeking a new manager, becoming the first team in the EFL to do so, having parted ways with Ryan Lowe after just one match in the 2024/25 campaign.

Following a disappointing conclusion to the previous season, the 2-0 defeat against Sheffield United was the final game of Lowe’s two and a half year spell.

Discussions between Lowe and the club took place on Sunday, leading to a mutual agreement for his departure from the role at Deepdale.

So who now? Alan Nixon is reporting that both Alex Neil and Paul Heckingbottom have expressed interest in the position.

#pnefc shortlist includes Alex Neill, Brian Barry-Murphy, Gary Rowett, John Eustace, Scott Lindsay and Paul Gallagher. Neill and Rowett are only options currently out of work. Barry-Murphy – Elite Development Manager at #mcfc – impressed under Pep. Would be his first job as a #1.

— Rob Dorsett (@RobDorsettSky) August 13, 2024

Ridsdale said while on talkSPORT: “I’m sure it is [a surprise] to a lot of people. Ryan asked to see me yesterday. He’d obviously been going through a difficult time, because we ended last season badly. In the last five games, we got no points and didn’t score a goal. It was a difficult atmosphere on Friday at Deepdale after we lost.

“Ryan came in yesterday, asked to see me and said: ‘Look mate, I always told you when I thought I couldn’t take it any further, I’d tell you, and I can’t take it any further. So, if we can agree between us to go mutually, I’ll shake your hand and we’ll sort it out’. And that’s what we’ve done.”

On if signs had been there, Ridsdale said: “None before Friday night, but I know that he was very conscious of the end to last season. He was very conscious with that in his mind, he probably needed a good start to get everybody on side. It was a tough game. Sheffield United are a very good side, they were in the Premier League last year. I spent four and a half hours with him yesterday and he wasn’t for turning.”

Mike Marsh, Peter Murphy and Ched Evans become PNE’s interim coaching team for the upcoming games against Sunderland and Swansea City.

As per Ridsdale’s statement on the club’s website, ‘arrangements beyond these two fixtures will be announced next week.’

As heard in the video above, Peter adds: “First of all, I wasn’t expecting it. Ryan asked to see me yesterday. I sat down with him and he said he thought it was time for a change.

“Obviously we had a bad end to last season and we had a difficult game on Friday night. I think Ryan just felt it was time for him to relieve the pressure, go off with his family and spend some quality time, and that’s what he’s doing.

“We spent on and off four and a half hours together yesterday, and it was absolutely clear that he’d made his mind up and that’s what he wanted to do.

“Therefore we acknowledged that, recognised that he was probably right that it was time for a change and therefore respected the decision.

On potential successors, he said: “The minute it was announced my phone went into meltdown, which is what I expected and hoped for frankly because this is a very attractive football club. The job’s an attractive position.

“I’ve always got a list of what happens if, and I dusted that down this morning. What I’ll be doing once I finish all the things we’re doing today is to examine who’s applied or whose names have been put in.

“We will spend a bit of time examining that list, try and whittle it down into who we find potentially attractive and who we feel is potentially available and gettable.

“Some people are under contract and however much we might aspire to talk to them and them to us, it might not be possible.”

FAVOURITES TO BECOME NEW PRESTON MANAGER:

(Sky Bet – 13th August)
Scott Lindsey – 6/4
David Moyes – 4/1
Paul Heckingbottom – 5/1
Mike Marsh – 6/1
David Healy – 7/1
Brian Barry-Murphy – 12/1
Gary Rowett – 14/1
Alex Neil – 16/1
David Wagner – 16/1
Frank Lampard – 16/1

Ryan Lowe shared the message following his departure from Preston North End.

“Obviously, as you know, my time at Preston North End has come to an end. 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’ve had an unbelievable time working with Peter Ridsdale over the last two and a half years. Thank you to Peter, Craig Hemmings and the Hemmings family for their support and backing and giving me the opportunity to manage a fantastic football club and establish myself as a Championship manager.

“A big thank you also goes to the players past and present for their attitude and application during my time as manager. I’d also like to thank the fans for their support during my tenure.

“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.” – Ryan

Fans take issue with what Ryan Lowe said on Preston’s defeat to Sheffield United

Here’s what fans had to say as Peter Ridsdale reveals what was said in an over 4 hour chat with Ryan Lowe prior the manager’s exit…

@wuftyruffruff: Give Moyesie a ring!!! Back living in Lytham now.

@Terrythepin: If they knew the supporters weren’t happy weeks ago, why wait? It’s just all very strange

@Joe_pnefc: I really don’t think we’ll ever move forward with this bloke at the helm. A relic from an era of football that’s long since passed. How we ever appointed someone with his disastrous track record is beyond me to be honest

@davewilki1: Need to get rid of this man before we make any progress on and off the field

@TTVCBDxCryptic: I beg get someone in who actually knows what they r doing like actually. We need someone who will push for promotion

@JIMSKEE1: Bang on Peter, it has sadly been dreadful viewing for what seems like an eternity. That said, RL has brought in some great players, so we are in a good place for fresh ideas. Some fantastic managers out there, go get one

@JamesWorden85: Let’s hope it’s easier to find a manager than it is to find a wingback.

@kharrison_68: You’ve had a good run for a man of such limited ability and you’ve been extremely lucky to find a club so indulgent of your many failures. But surely even you must now see it’s time to step aside. The game’s moved on. The club needs to move on with it. It’s time to go. #pnefc

@LJPNE: Not someone who plays 3 at the back. 4 back with wingers is needed

@dougie_fresh: I’m no body language expert but he sounds and looks like a defeated man.

@waynehoppy: More or less admit s it was shit so instead of being proactive and potting him end of last season he waits and gives him pre season and lose browny and probably miller coz he stuck with Lowe. We’re not asking to play like city just entertaining football 🤷🏼‍♂️

Only one man can save us now Peter. Make the call pic.twitter.com/FmKBpd2X8g

— Nathan (@npnedth) August 12, 2024