What Ryan Lowe said on Preston North End's future under him after West Brom defeat

Preston North End manager Ryan Lowe said he ‘100 per cent’ believes he can take the Lilywhites forward - despite a hugely disappointing finish to the season.

Defeat at West Brom, on the final day of the campaign, was PNE’s fifth in a row - with no goals scored in any of them. It is the second time in North End’s history they have lost the last five games of a season. Preston ultimately finished 10th in the 2023/24 table, on 63 points - Lowe firmly thinks he is the right man to take North End on, in his third full season at Deepdale.

“I am sick of apologising, because I don’t want to too much for the performances, but I have to and I get the frustration,” said Lowe, post-match. “What I can say to them is to keep supporting us - it is their football club and we are just here to try and get them where they want to get to. I always thank them (the fans) for all their effort, staying behind for the lads. I know there were one or two finger pointing and that’s fine. But, these are good lads - we are going to add to it next season and you’ve seen how close we’ve got next season.

“To finish 10th is a bonus, but we should be on more points and if we’re finishing anywhere, we should be finishing just outside of the play-offs. I felt, all season, we had a really good chance of getting there. So again, apologies to them - I think they can go away and reflect, like I will. I will be working tirelessly over the summer, to make sure we get some players in and recruit well - like we have done - to go one step closer next season. The day I can’t (take it forward) is the day I walk away and I have said that with Craig and Peter.

“I think the football, with what we try and do, is there. You have seen it, against good teams we just haven’t been clinical enough in both boxes for the last four games. I am 100 per cent convinced I can take it to the next level - we are going to get a bit more backing next season. We will get more players and the squad will be thicker and better. Then, it’s over to us to deliver. You have to start well (next season), because otherwise the fingers are out and people are pointing. I understand that, but what I can’t get away from is that the lads have had a good season. We wanted to have a very good season.”