It finally happened. Paul Simpson has been fired as the manager of Preston North End. It was not a surprise since the team has been under performing for some time. The game that sealed Simpson’s fate was a 3-0 defeat on Saturday. From what I read, and from what the fan forums say, the game was simply awful.

Upon reflection, I think Simpson sealed his own fate. To publicly criticize members of the team and to keep changing your tactics is going to doom you to failure. Certain things also need to be dealt with in private and, if you have players who are not performing on the pitch, then you should not be talking about their failures on the pages of the Lancashire Evening Post.

The North End Chairman has said that they will make an appointment before the next game, which will be at home to Charlton on the 24th. As usual, names are being thrown about on who will succeed Simpson and we will have to wait and see who will get the job. One thing is for sure, the board of Preston North End must get the appointment right.