x

Former manager sacked

Former Dale boss Paul Simpson has been sacked from his position as manager of Preston North End after a poor start to the season left them at the wrong end of the table.

The writing had been on the wall for Simmo since the weekend's 3-0 defeat at Hull City, when the PNE board issued a statement detailing how they were "very disappointed with the performance and result". That result left PNE just one place above the relegation zone, and two places below local rivals Blackpool.

It's been a disappointing start to the season, with just three wins all season for Simpson's men having finished in a more than respectable 8th position last year. However, the sale of David Nugent in the Summer for £7 million hit the team hard, and without a single penny spent, they were always going to be up against it.

Simpson left Spotland in the Summer of 2003 after a mixed season at Dale. Despite reaching the 5th Round of the FA Cup, the team dropped from 5th position in the League Table in 2001-2 to 19th the following season - the biggest drop in League position in the club's history in a season, where he earned more money for the club through the Cup run than in any other season.

After leaving Dale, he managed Carlisle where after an initial relegation to the Conference, he led them back to the Football League at the first attempt, and then winning the League Two championship straight away, ironically securing the title at Spotland.

Paul Simpson (player profile)
Paul Simpson (manager profile)
 

What to read next:

Southampton 0 - 1 Stoke City - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Saints V Stoke City A Look Back In Pictures 2
In the second part of our pictorial look back at some of our games against Stoke City from the past, here we look back at more recent games, so most of you would have been at them.
Saints V Stoke City A Look Back In Pictures
We have looked through our photo archives for a look back as some games against Stoke City over the years, what are your memories of these games ?
Southampton V Stoke City The Preview
Saints go into the last two games of the season with their hopes of automatic promotion ended, even the hope of finishing 3rd is only a point away from being ended, but they do have something to play for and that is getting back the togetherness, character & fight Russell Martin has recently be moaned.
No Togetherness No Character No Fight
Not my words, but those of Southampton manager Russell Martin, who should ask himself the question why two months ago we had all those attributes and now we don't !
Southampton At Leicester The Debacle
The big question is how can a side that was so tight at the back, so clinical up front and who could pass the ball around almost with their eyes closed, become the disorganised rabble that they were at the Leicester City this evening.
Southampton Side Announced For Leicester Game
Russell Martin has revealed his side for the game against Leicester City, find out what surprises he has for Saints supporters this time out.
Southampton At Leicester City The Preview
Saints travel up to Leicester knowing that it is almost certain that they will just be in the play offs come the end of the season, however there is still the feint hope of 3rd place to play for, however the Foxes are playing for a bigger prize.
A Rough Guide To Leicester City FC
Saints head up to Leicester City this evening with their automatic promotion hopes just about over, so for the 3,000 fans who bought their tickets when there was hope here are the details.
Southampton At Cardiff City The Verdict
There can be no excuses for this defeat, a loss that effectively means that it will be a play off spot and not an automatic promotion place for Southampton, so where did it all go wrong.