Preston North End sack coach Frankie McAvoy with side 18th in Championship

Frankie McAvoy picked up 17 points from 24 as interim manager before he was appointed full time in May

Championship side Preston North End have sacked head coach Frankie McAvoy.

The Scot, 54, was appointed in May after a spell as interim boss following Alex Neil's departure in March.

He departs with Preston 18th in the Championship, having lost eight of their 21 games so far.

The club statement read: "Ultimately it is a results business and results to date have not met our expectations. We have therefore decided to make a change at this time."

It continued: "Frankie is an honest, hard-working person who deserves to succeed and he leaves us with our grateful thanks and best wishes for the future."

Analysis

BBC Radio Lancashire sports editor Andy Bayes

Frankie McAvoy deserves great credit for the way he steered Preston North End to a comfortable 13th-placed finish last season.

On the strength of five victories in eight matches in interim charge he was rewarded with the permanent role, but found consistency this season hard to come by.

Long-term injuries to three of his signings (Matthew Olosunde, Izzy Brown and Connor Wickham) didn't help and neither did the longer than expected absence of Ched Evans.

He's well liked by the players but wasn't able to win over a section of the fan base, who questioned his tactics and selection.

The general feeling is that North End are a better side than their current position of 18th suggests. It's up to a new manager to prove that in the remaining 25 league games.