Once the trust goes, there is no way back

To suggest Ryan Lowe was unpopular among Preston supporters is like saying Roy Keane and Alf Inge Haaland weren't the best of pals.

- Chris Dunlavy

The 45-year-old has been fighting a losing battle to win friends and influence people since he arrived from Plymouth in 2021.

On Monday morning, a little over 48 hours after a 2-0 humbling at home to Sheffield United, he finally fell on his sword.

That he jumped before he was pushed is largely irrelevant. It has been obvious for a long time that Lowe had no future at Deepdale.

One way or another, the end was nigh.

That much was evident against the Blades last weekend, Preston's sixth successive Championship defeat dating back to last season.

A toxic atmosphere inside the stadium was amplified in the aftermath on social media and online forums. Though historically an unreliable barometer, the sheer volume of vitriol and the near-total absence of dissenting voices provided a convincing consensus.

Most were begging the club to pull the trigger.

In many ways, the hatred of Lowe is unjust. We're not talking Brian Clough's 44 days at Leeds here. The former Bury striker did not insult his players or belittle previous managers or go out of his way to antagonise anyone.