Preston interim manager Mike Marsh receives criticism after ‘blaming fans for Ryan Lowe’s departure’ when speaking with the media this week.
A clip from the interview was uploaded by the BBC Sport Lancashire Twitter account, fair to say it’s got a lot of the supporters talking and sharing it for more to see.
He first spoke about his side beating Sunderland and progressing through to the second round of the Carabao Cup, before the topic then turned on Ryan Lowe and how the club have reacted and coped to him leaving.
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Interviewer: So off the pitch now we’ve got to go to. I suppose It’s been some few days for you.
Mike: I suppose it has, yeah. It’s been very emotional. It’s been tough, really. Obviously the manager left yesterday, short notice. We were aware that things were going on in the background, so it’s been difficult for everyone, players and staff. But I’d Just like to place on record how Important that Ryan’s been to the football club. You know, we’ve had three mid table finishes and he’s been a massive part of where Preston had at the time being. And, you know, we’re really sad to see him go, but we’ve all got a gratitude for bringing us in and giving us a chance to work here.
Interviewer: You say obviously it’s an emotional time. Obviously one of the people closest to him. Did you see it coming? Did you see him, I don’t know, struggling with his happiness in the job or how he felt about the role?
Mike: It’s difficult circumstances and all the fans, for whatever reason, didn’t take him towards the back end of his tenure. And it was difficult getting booed off and I don’t think anyone deserves that, you know, he was doing his best. I don’t think it’s healthy to have to work under them conditions, and I think he’s probably made the right decision to step away for in the time being and look to come back in elsewhere.
Interviewer: Rightly or wrongly, he’s always worn his heart on his sleeve. He was an honest person and he made a point of the difficulties he had with the fans at times. And then voicing the concern is that, do you think the biggest contributing factor then?
Mike: I would imagine so, yeah. I wouldn’t say It was down to, obviously, the football, because we finished, we’ve been challenging for the playoffs the last couple years and fell short. We know that. But I think we could have been punching above our weight due to the budget that we’ve got, etc. I think he’s done a really good job and he probably hasn’t had the credit he deserves. Fans, for whatever reason, have taken a dislike into him, and that’s difficult when you’re in the stadium, and I think that’s affected the players performances. I think the fact that Ryan wasn’t in the stadium tonight allowed the players to be a little bit freer and he was a bit more relaxed because the fans weren’t obviously on the manager’s case.
Interviewer: Were you able to do much with the team? Because obviously Ryan took training on Sunday and was kind of prepping the team for this game. Were you able to do much, or was it just a kind of case of maybe, like I say, just letting the shackles off a little bit and letting people maybe express themselves with a little less, I don’t know, pressure that maybe came whilst Ryan was in charge. Maybe not necessarily from Ryan, but from the situation that he got to.
Mike: Our preps are prep. We do what we do on a weekly basis. So nothing really changed other than the fact that I was picking the team other than Ryan. You know, as I say, there’s a healthy atmosphere in the stadium tonight, which I think helped the players, and that was obviously the leading factor for Ryan leaving the job.
Meanwhile, Peter Ridsdale has issued the following statement…
“Following the announcement regarding Ryan Lowe’s departure on Monday 12th August, as I am sure everyone will appreciate, there has been a significant number of names expressing an interest in joining us.
“After fielding over 80 calls, we have now got a list of some 65 or so names who are interested in the vacancy. The quantity but more importantly quality of these applications means that it will take a little time for us to assess, discuss and, where possible, meet before we can take this to a stage of offering the position.
“As always in this situation, there is significant media and public interest leading to speculation of shortlists or favourites. Some of this will inevitably be wide of the mark and some unhelpful as some names suggested may well already be employed, and they may or may not be aware that their names have been put forward by third parties.
“We will endeavour to move forward in a timely manner, be as professional as possible, and as importantly be respectful to both other clubs and individuals if we need to seek approval to approach or offer where any candidates are currently under contract.
“Until we have anything further to announce, Mike Marsh, Peter Murphy and Ched Evans will continue to manage the team and hopefully build on last night’s positive start. – Peter Ridsdale”
Favourites to become new Preston manager as Ryan Lowe leaves just one game into new season
Fans take issue with what Ryan Lowe said on Preston’s defeat to Sheffield United
As mentioned, Preston interim manager receives criticism after ‘blaming fans for Ryan Lowe’s departure’…
@DaveHogg2: So Lowe playing useless tactics and having no plans d and c and sticking to a formation that didn’t work is all the fans fault. Presume Marsh had input on tactics as Lowe’s assistant as well.
@Mick_Porter: Fans fault that we lost 6 in a row without scoring then? Joke
@Johnnyproudlove: Goodbye Mike and thanks….an unbelievably bad interview with a bitter sounding mate of Ryan’s, if you don’t think the fan’s issues with Ryan Lowe were football related then you may as well leave now! Up next as Caretaker Ched Evans! @pnefc #pnefc
@adamjastley: I was 💯 RL out & booed him many times, but I’ve not got an issue with this. He’s open/candid on how he saw it whether you agree or not & why RL left. Find it strange why some are offended by it. What I do find interesting is the ‘things going on in the background’ quote #pnefc
@c__dickinson: Wow. Again another pop at the fans. There were so many factors that clearly made the decision. The football wasn’t great, we lost 6 games and hadn’t scored a goal we had every right to voice our opinions. Thanks for taking charge these two games and then do one too Mike👋🏽 #pnefc
@PNE_are_massive: Defo fucked his chance of getting the permanent job now already turned into Lowe V2
@DiscoPants11: If he doesn’t realise the negativity towards Lowe was due to the performances then thanks for taking two games and good luck in the future Mike.
@jimshuttle: Not a great first interview as the interim boss, blaming the fans. Get him to a media coach, pronto!
@lee_scanlan: Good performance and tactical display. Not sure how on one hand you can say the fans were unreasonable, then by tweaking tactics to affect the game you highlighted in an instant what Ryan’s frustrating short comings that caused the animosity. Bauer was another..
@DR7pne: Fans fault then
@prestonplumber7: Do one Marsh YSB
@iwasvvdrunk: Christ not another one. Tip for you, Marsh; stop blaming fans for having had enough of watching the pathetic football on offer, for over 18 months! We need a clean sweep of the coaching staff, and start again.
@mjworden: As bad as listening to Lowe.
@TMT1969: What a plonker!!
@TheMaddock87: well this interview has fucked up his chances of getting job 🤦♂️
@Matthewholden12: Actually crazy there’s a man out there that gives shitter interviews than badges. Any job chance gone in about 3 minutes of talking 🤣😂 #pnefc
@Jamie270: Fucking hell. Come across as more of a prick than Lowe did in these 3 minutes. Some effort that.
@Belch_9: Needs moving on quickly. Terrible interview. We lost 6 on the bounce without a goal not to mention how sh*t the football was. Get a grip man
@CasualsNorthern: Well at least we can see the culture behind the scenes. It’s the fans fault. Blimey 🙈 #pnefc
@liamfell2010: Jesus Christ this blokes just as bad! Get shut of the lot of em and start a fresh.
@Tadders83: Making noises that he wants the job long term whilst at the same time blaming the fans for Lowe’s exit! Learnt nothing from his mates press conference disasters. Club is bigger than any of these egotistical clowns. On ur way Mike!!!
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