STUART McCall is back in football as the new number two at Preston.

The City legend has once again linked up with former Bantams defender Paul Heckingbottom to take the Championship hot-seat.

Heckingbottom and McCall led Sheffield United to promotion to the Premier League two seasons ago – but were sacked in December.

Heckingbottom succeeds Ryan Lowe who left the Lilywhites by mutual consent after losing to the Blades on the opening day of the season. His first game in charge will be at home to Luton on Saturday.

 

 

The 47-year-old told Preston’s club website: “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, really competitive team in this league."