Ryan Lowe: Preston boss says there is 'more to football than metrics' after criticism
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Preston North End's most recent win at home was their 3-2 victory against Coventry City on 4 November
Preston North End boss Ryan Lowe says there is more to football than metrics after fan criticism over their style of play in the Championship.
North End have won just once in their past six league games but are eighth and four points off the top six.
When asked by BBC Radio Lancashire about a fan criticising their "lack of identity" Lowe said: "However you do it, you do it.
"Metrics don't always give you a true reflection."
Lowe continued: "We've got every metric you can ask for. We know it and we've got it all. But we don't want to hide away from the fact that that [Preston's recent form] is what it is.
"[However] I can bet that the bottom three teams would like to swap with me today."
Preston had gone their first eight games in the league unbeaten and challenged with the league leaders in an impressive start to the 2023-24 campaign.
Since that run came crashing down with a 4-0 home defeat by West Bromwich Albion on 30 September, however, they have struggled to regain their early season form and have won just three times in their past 14 games.
'People know our identity'
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Despite their recent run, Lowe's side are still in the mix for a play-off spot at the midway point of the season.
In reference to the specific fan criticism put to him by BBC Radio Lancashire, Lowe questioned the credentials of supporters who are unhappy with his team's style of play.
"The team that are fifth from bottom are playing expansive football and have got the best xG (expected goals) in the league, guess what, they're three points off relegation," he added.
"That's why I've asked who asked the question. If you're sitting here telling me there's an ex-pro who's had all his badges and managed 300 or 400 league games asking about our identity, I've got no problem.
"But what I can't have is someone who doesn't know an identity and just wants kick rush football or no risk football.
"I'm not having a go, all I'm saying is, if they want to come with their credentials and bring that to the party then we'll have a look at it. But don't just say 'what's the identity?' when people know the identity. The identity is keeping Preston North End in the Championship first and foremost and finishing as high as we can with a style of football that wins games."