Two former Birmingham City managers linked with Preston North End job

The Lilywhites are on the search for a new manager after Ryan Lowe tendered his resignation last weekend. PNE lost 2-0 to Sheffield United in their opening game, and Lowe decided that he had taken the Lancashire club as far as he could take them.

According to Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett, PNE have a six-man shortlist to replace Lowe, and Rowett features on that alongside current Blackburn Rovers boss John Eustace. He said that Rowett and John Eustace featured on a list that included Crawley Town boss Scott Lindsay, as well as Alex Neil, Brian Barry-Murphy and Paul Gallagher who are all out of work.

Rowett was in charge of Blues towards the end of last season as he stepped in to deputise for Tony Mowbray. The 50-year-old was unable to stop the club from being relegated however, as they won just just twice in the eight games Rowett oversaw.

Despite overseeing their relegation, Rowett said that he had no regrets about taking on the role. In an interview with BBC Radio West Midlands back in May, he said: ""Eight games ago, I knew there was a chance of relegation, if you looked at the form.

"I knew that it could be who ends up being the manager to take Birmingham City into League One, but sometimes you have to take that little bit of responsibility and accountability. "And if that's me, and it saves someone else from it, I'll take it, and accept it. I've got broad shoulders.

"I know it's difficult to see right now through that bit of fog, but there are exciting times ahead if we get it right on the pitch. It could be just a season blip."

After the 2023/24 season concluded, Rowett departed the club, and shortly after Tony Mowbray announced his departure from St Andrew’s. Chris Davies was unveiled as the new first-team manager in early June. Rowett has remained out of work since his second stint at Birmingham.

As for the other former Birmingham boss, Eustace is in work at Blackburn Rovers, and has been there since February after departing Blues in October after his harsh sacking. The Lancashire outfit defeated Derby County 4-1 in their opening game, and they easily disposed of Stockport County, thrashing them 6-1 in the Carabao Cup.

In the markets for the next manager, Lindsey is the 10/11 favourite to get the Deepdale gig. He led the Red Devils to promotion last season via the play-offs, and they defeated Blackpool in their opening game of the season. They don't play Birmingham until their final game before Christmas which is on Monday, December 23.