We take a look at the contenders to be the next manager of Preston North End as the pressure grows on Paul Heckingbottom.
Preston showed plenty of promise in the first half of last season but their campaign fizzled out as they finished 14th in the Championship.
The new season has seen the Lilywhites lose their opening three league fixtures, with Heckingbottom criticised by supporters following their 1-0 defeat at Charlton Athletic.
Here are our top five contenders to be the next Preston manager in the event that the club decides to make a change.
Next Preston Manager Contenders
Graham Alexander
Bradford City manager Graham Alexander made over 400 appearances for Preston during his playing career.
He's earned his stripes as a manager after leading Bradford to promotion from League Two, before reaching the play-offs in League One last season.
A potential appointment would be a popular one at Deepdale if he can be tempted away from the Bantams.
Dave Challinor
Former Stockport County boss Dave Challinor could have plenty of suitors in the EFL in the coming weeks.
Incredibly, he has achieved a play-off finish or better in each of his 15 full seasons as a manager.
He departed Stockport following their League One play-off final defeat to Bolton Wanderers in May.
Rob Edwards
Rob Edwards was dismissed by Wolverhampton Wanderers prior to the start of the season following their relegation from the Premier League.
Eyebrows were raised when he left a potential promotion challenge at Middlesbrough for Wolves last season and he will be eager to return to the dugout.
Edwards also has a Championship promotion on his CV from his time at Luton Town.
Michael O'Neill
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill turned down the chance to prolong his stay at Blackburn Rovers after keeping the club up last season.
He opted to focus solely on his time with Northern Ireland but he has done solid jobs at both Stoke City and Blackburn in the Championship.
O'Neill would provide a safe pair of hands following Preston's difficult start to the season.
David Healy
Former Preston striker David Healy has managed Northern Irish side Linfield for over a decade.
He has won six NIFL Premiership titles but there will come a time where he will want to test himself at a higher level.
Healy was extremely popular during his time at Deepdale, scoring 45 goals in 156 appearances for the club.
