Leighton Baines could be offered a route into Championship management, with Preston North End reportedly considering the Everton assistant as a potential replacement for Paul Heckingbottom. The former England left-back has emerged as an alternative target as the Deepdale club looks to recover from a disastrous start to the season.
According to Alan Nixon’s Patreon report, as cited by Goodison News, Baines is an option Preston could explore if their pursuit of Robbie Keane proves unsuccessful. Keane remains their preferred choice, although reported interest from another Championship club and the possibility of a move to Celtic could complicate their efforts.
For Baines, the link raises the prospect of leaving David Moyes’ coaching staff to take on a senior managerial role of his own. There is no suggestion in the report that an appointment is imminent, with Preston’s next move seemingly dependent on whether they can secure their first choice.
The vacancy follows Heckingbottom’s dismissal after seven defeats at the start of the Championship campaign. A 1-0 home loss to us preceded his departure, leaving his successor with an immediate task of lifting a side struggling near the bottom of the table.
Baines would therefore be walking into a demanding first permanent senior management job if Preston decided to pursue him and he accepted. The attraction of taking charge of a Championship club would come with the pressure of having to produce results quickly, with little room for a gentle introduction.
There would also be a familiar connection through Moyes, whose own managerial career began at Deepdale in January 1998. He spent four years building his reputation with Preston before Everton appointed him in 2002, establishing a link between the two clubs that a Baines move would revive.
Having been a key player for Moyes at Everton and now worked alongside him on the coaching staff, Baines would have someone close at hand who understands the demands of the Preston job. Whether he wants to take that step remains unclear, but the reported interest suggests he could have a decision to make if the Lilywhites are unable to land Keane.
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