'Something just told me it was right time to go'

Ryan Lowe says he took the decision to leave his role as PNE boss one game into the 2024/25 season because he felt the time was right to "pass the baton on.

- by George Hodgson

Wigan Athletic manager Ryan Lowe on the touchline at Deepdale on Friday as Wigan beat PNE 1-0

The 47-year-old was back at his former club for the first time on Friday night, as Wigan knocked the Lilywhites out of the FA Cup in the third round.

Post-match, Lowe was asked about the timing of his sudden departure from Deepdale, which brought to an end his two-and-a-half year stint in charge.

Lowe quit his role after a defeat at home by Sheffield United on the opening night of the 2024/25 campaign.

"You get that feeling where, look, people like me, dislike me... people don't know me to dislike me," said Lowe. "They might dislike me because I'm in a mindset and I'm trying to win or whatever, that's just football. There's a lot of hate in football isn't there at the moment?