Paul Heckingbottom is a man on a mission. Dressed in a navy tracksuit, he stands overlooking the sunlit pitch at Preston’s training complex, exuding both warmth and a steely determination.
As he sits down to discuss his plans for the club, one thing is clear: he has no intention of stepping back.
“We don’t ever want to take a backward step against anyone,” he says firmly.
“If we spend all week working on stopping them, what are we playing for? Nil-nil and penalties? That’s not going to happen.”
It’s this fearless mindset that fuels Preston North End as they head into a crucial FA Cup quarter-final match against Aston Villa, looking to make a mark in a competition they haven’t seen the likes of for nearly 60 years.
Preston’s Relentless Drive
Despite some challenges – including a few key players missing out due to suspensions and injuries – Heckingbottom remains resolute.
“We know it’s doable,” he says, referencing past successes in the FA Cup, where clubs like Sheffield United and Coventry have made deep runs.
Preston have faced tough competition already this season, including matches against Fulham and Arsenal, and Heckingbottom is confident that his team can hold their own.
“We were very good against Fulham, a very tough, competitive game,” he recalls.
“Against Arsenal, the first half was exceptional, but we performed really well in the second half and probably deserved a goal.”
The commitment to compete, no matter the opponent, is evident, and Preston’s recent performances show they’re more than capable of causing an upset.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Heckingbottom understands that for Preston to make the leap to the Premier League, significant changes will be necessary.
The club has been stuck in the Championship for years, and their ambitions for promotion seem distant at times.
Yet, for Heckingbottom, the path forward is clear.
“If we were successful in this league and got promoted, we’d have to change a lot to be effective in the Premier League,” he explains.
“You can’t just rely on the same tactics.”
Heckingbottom’s approach is all about adaptability. He believes in learning from top-tier managers, like Unai Emery, and using those lessons to shift tactics as needed.
“With the options Unai has got to start and from the bench, we’ll automatically change our tactical setup,” he says.
“You can have an idea when you’re playing Football Manager, but when you play Champions League quarter-finalists, you use your resources and what you’ve got.”
The Preston Project
When Heckingbottom joined Preston midway through the season, following a surprising exit by his predecessor, Ryan Lowe, he felt he could make a significant impact.
He quickly saw the potential in the squad and the support of the club’s owners.
“I knew I’d be able to have a big input,” he admits.
“Here, I felt like I could have a big influence along with the owners and Peter (Ridsdale).
It’s not about how much you’ve got, it’s about how you use it.”
Despite Preston’s limited resources compared to some of their competitors, Heckingbottom remains optimistic.
“Fans are always moaning (about spending),” he says with a chuckle.
“If you won the lottery tomorrow, would you give all your family’s money, millions away every year? I don’t think you would.”
Building for the Future
The club’s record signing, Milutin Osmajic, represents the ambition that’s quietly growing at Preston.
Heckingbottom sees great potential in the Montenegrin forward, who’s been a standout performer this season.
“He works his socks off and I see him as a real coachable lad,” he says.
“He’s got very good attributes, is a real goal threat, and we’ve been happy with the level he’s performed at.”
Though Heckingbottom remains tight-lipped about some of the controversies surrounding Osmajic, he reassures that the team’s philosophy is centered on respect and professionalism.
“It’s not part of your tactics to send someone out to bite someone,” he adds with a wry smile.
Lessons Learned from Champions League Bosses
Heckingbottom’s time at Sheffield United was a rollercoaster, but it was one he’s learned from.
After leading the Blades to promotion, he faced the harsh reality of the Premier League, eventually getting sacked when the team was languishing in 20th place.
Reflecting on his time there, he says, “There’s always reasons and things that happen.
You guys and fans get to find out very little of it. I loved my time there.”
After leaving Sheffield United, Heckingbottom took a break from management, spending time with top-tier managers like Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen and Michel at Girona.
“I enjoy studying teams who are overachieving,” he says, reflecting on his time observing these managers.
“When you’re not working, you have a lot more time to improve your knowledge and come up with new ideas.”
A Journey from Underachiever to Underdog
Heckingbottom’s career has been a journey marked by overcoming the odds.
From his early days as a player at Darlington, where he scored a memorable goal against Aston Villa in the FA Cup, to his time managing Barnsley and Sheffield United, he has always been the underdog.
“In 1999, I scored against Villa in the FA Cup third round with fourth-tier Darlington,” he says, reflecting on his unlikely journey. “It adds extra fuel to the fire for Sunday.”
For Preston fans, the dream of reaching the Premier League might feel like a distant hope, but with Heckingbottom at the helm, there’s a renewed belief that the club can take that next step.
With determination, adaptability, and a clear vision, Preston’s journey is just beginning – and Heckingbottom is ready to lead them forward.