Ryan Lowe has become the first Championship manager to leave their post after Preston North End confirmed his exit 'by mutual consent'.

Blackburn Rovers travel to Deepdale next month but it will be a new face in the dug out. There has been unrest at North End for months with fans turning on Lowe.

Supporters have cited a poor style of play as the root of their frustration with the former Plymouth Argyle boss. They ended last season without a goal in their last five Championship games, losing all of them.

A 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United on the opening day of the season has seemingly been the final straw. It's been confirmed this morning that Lowe has left 'by mutual consent'.

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A club statement read: "Preston North End can confirm that manager Ryan Lowe has left the club by mutual consent.

"Ryan joined the club in December 2021, leading us to 13th, 12th and 10th-placed finishes in his two and a half seasons as the club’s first team manager.

"Following discussions that took place on Sunday 11th August, it was mutually agreed that now was an appropriate time for a change to be made.

"Ryan leaves with the thanks of everyone at the club for his hard work, dedication and commitment, and we wish him and his family the very best for the future.

"For the two upcoming fixtures against Sunderland and Swansea City this week, Mike Marsh – accompanied by Peter Murphy and Ched Evans – will be in charge of the team."

Rovers travel to Deepdale on Sunday, September 22.