"No one wants to be dismissed, but sometimes you have to accept it. You feel the sting, and wherever I end up next, they'll be getting an improved version of Ryan Lowe," the manager said. It is remarkable that Ryan Lowe only faced termination in his fourth senior coaching appointment, a rarity in today’s fast‑moving game.

He had previously steered Bury and Plymouth Argyle to promotion from League Two and then spent two seasons at Preston North End, where he convinced many observers that the club were over‑achieving in the Championship. "It was a demanding role," Lowe explained on the Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast. "In the first campaign, 2024/25, our objective was simple – stay up.

We collected just 13 points from the opening dozen matches, but we managed to secure our place in the division without drama. "The following season we aimed to build on that, believing we had a budget that could let us compete.

In reality the financial parameters were based on figures from two years earlier, which made it extremely tough. "We missed out on a number of targets because bigger clubs could out‑spend us and attract higher‑quality players." The interview continued with Lowe describing the early part of the season as promising. "We were performing well until we lost Ryan Trevitt, who was a pivotal, creative force for us. The team had been built around his vision and skill, so his absence hit us hard." Injuries piled up and a few key performance indicators slipped, but Lowe refused to use those as excuses.

"There were decisions I could have handled better, and I recognise that. The same could be said for many of the staff around me. It was a difficult period.

Being sacked was my first dismissal as a manager, and I hope it will be the last. The results were not good enough, the performances were decent, the statistics were acceptable, but we lacked the cutting edge in front of goal." Before arriving at Wigan, Lowe had overseen Preston’s impressive runs, guiding the club to two top‑half finishes in his full seasons.

He believes the club’s subsequent struggles underline how well he performed during his tenure. His successor, Paul Heckingbottom, was removed from his post just last month. "In the year I left, Hecky managed to keep the team up on the final day and finished 14th the following season.

He is an excellent manager, yet he still lost his job," Lowe said. "People will always debate style of play, but what I learned in the Championship – watching the managers we faced – was how to adapt.

I know deep down I did a good job. That belief matters to me, even if others don’t see it.

I have a track record of over‑achieving on limited budgets." He recounted a memorable match against Norwich, noting the tactical shift to a defensive 5‑4‑1 formation that almost produced a victory. "We drew 0‑0 away, which was a valuable point," he recalled. Lowe does, however, express regret about the manner in which he left Preston. He acknowledges that departing after just one league game of the 2024/25 season was ill‑timed.

"I do regret leaving after a single match," he admitted. "I felt I had to protect my family at that point. During pre‑season I discussed the situation with chairman Peter Ridsdale. A statement was issued after the previous season, suggesting the club’s performance was below expectations.

"We opened the campaign against Sheffield United and lost 2‑0. The goals we conceded were careless, and I lay awake that night wondering if I could still give the club what the supporters deserved.

I was being paid a substantial salary – was I delivering?" He described a “gentleman’s agreement” that was reached: the board did not actively want him to quit, but Lowe felt poorly advised and followed his gut instinct to walk away. "I should have waited a few more games. If I had been sacked, it would have been the same outcome.

I simply felt I had taken the role as far as possible given the budget constraints and squad quality. The subsequent decline of Preston confirms my concerns. The only real remorse is the timing of my exit." Looking ahead, Lowe says he is eager to return to management but prefers a long‑term project over a short‑term firefighting assignment – a type of role he has turned down before. Even at Wigan, where he signed a three‑and‑a‑half‑year contract, he was dismissed in under a year.

"Whatever club hires me next will get the best version of Ryan Lowe because I’m determined to bounce back from what happened," he asserted. "I don’t want to be a fire‑fighter, though sometimes you have to step in to keep a side afloat. "What I refuse is a brief stint of ten or fifteen games with no continuity, just a few wins to secure a contract extension. My résumé already shows 380 games managed, many in the Championship.

I’m keen to join a club with solid ownership and a proactive sporting director, where everyone shares the same vision." In summary, Lowe’s career has been marked by rapid promotions, impressive over‑achievement on modest budgets, and a recent abrupt dismissal. He acknowledges the pain of being sacked, reflects on lessons learned at Preston and Wigan, and looks forward to a stable, ambitious role that aligns with his belief in building lasting success rather than chasing quick fixes.