PRESTON are searching for their THIRD manager of the season after suffering a second managerial casualty in a week.

The Championship side began their season with Ryan Lowe in charge of the club.

2

2

However, following their opening day 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United, he was given the boot.

Mike Marsh was part of the interim managerial team featuring Ched Evans and Peter Murphy which took the reigns while they started searching for a new full-time boss.

North End saw Sunderland off in the Carabao Cup first round on Tuesday.

But after a 3-0 defeat to Swansea back in the Championship on Saturday, Marsh opted to step down.

He did not attend media duties post-match after informing the club he would not be applying for the full-time position.

A club statement read: “On Monday 12th August, it was announced that Mike Marsh, along with Peter Murphy and Ched Evans, would take charge of the first team fixtures against Sunderland and Swansea City.

“Following today’s defeat in South Wales, Mike has thanked the club for the opportunity to take interim charge, but he does not wish to apply for the job on a permanent basis or take the club forward.

“Mike will therefore leave the club with our sincere thanks and best wishes for the future.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

“We will now concentrate all our time and energy on appointing a new manager/head coach, and hope to be in a position to make an announcement in the coming days.”

Preston’s next game comes next Saturday when they host Luton at Deepdale Stadium.

Former Manchester City coach Brian Barry-Murphy is interested in taking the role, according to the Lancashire Post.

The 46-year-old previously spent three years managing Man City’s Elite Development Squad.

SUNSPORT’S TRANSFER NEWS LIVE

STAY in the know this summer with The Sun’s transfer experts.

Chelsea are on the verge of landing £85million Napoli star Victor Osimhen — in an extraordinary player-swap deal.

Meanwhile, Conor Gallagher is in transfer limbo, with the Chelsea midfielder’s proposed £33.7million move to Atletico Madrid in huge doubt.

Elsewhere, Newcastle have made a FOURTH bid worth £65million for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, according to reports.

In other news, Chelsea are preparing to offer Manchester United two players and a transfer fee to sign Jadon Sancho, according to sensational reports in Germany.

Follow our LIVE TRANSFER BLOG for all the latest deals, gossip and exclusives.