Paul Heckingbottom is aiming to get Preston North End “back on track” after being named the new boss at Deepdale.

Heckingbottom succeeds Ryan Lowe, who left by “mutual consent” following the opening day defeat against Sheffield United.

Mike Marsh took interim charge of the side against Sunderland and Swansea City last week but has now left the club.

Heckingbottom, who had been out of work since his Sheffield United exit last December, will be joined by assistant Stuart McCall in the dugout.

“I’m really delighted with it, ready to go and chomping at the bit really,” he told the club site. “It’s a club I know well for lots of reasons and a league I know well, so it was a pretty easy decision.

“Experience is key. Knowing the players helps, and then having success in this league helps, so we know what it takes to compete.

“We know what it takes to do well and you can give that clear direction to try and get there, and that’s the aim.

“The short-term goals are to get back on track. Longer term, we want to be a really competitive team in this league.

“We want to play in a way the fans can enjoy and in a way that gets the best out of the players, and when you get that it can be really powerful.”

Heckingbottom will take charge of his game at Deepdale on Saturday afternoon when North End host Luton Town.

The 47-year-old has a couple of promotions on his CV, having guided Barnsley to the Championship and Sheffield United to the Premier League.

Director Peter Ridsdale added: “I’m delighted that Paul Heckingbottom has joined us as first team manager.

“We identified that we wanted Paul to be the man to take us forward and moved swiftly over the weekend. We met on Sunday, finalised the details late last night and he’s here with us today, ready to get to work.

“I’m now looking forward with confidence with Paul and Stuart McCall in charge, and I think all Preston North End fans can be really excited about the season ahead.”