Leighton Baines has emerged as a candidate for the vacant manager’s job at Preston North End.
The Everton assistant coach is among the names reportedly being considered by the Championship club following Paul Heckingbottom’s departure.
Preston consider Baines
Baines returned to Everton’s first-team coaching staff when David Moyes was appointed for a second spell as manager in January 2025.
Before that, the former left-back had worked in the club’s academy and briefly took charge of the senior side alongside Seamus Coleman following Sean Dyche’s departure. The pair were in the dugout for Everton’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Peterborough United in January 2025, shortly before Moyes returned.
A move to Preston would give Baines his first permanent senior managerial job. Reports differ over exactly who is under consideration at Deepdale. Baines, Robbie Keane and Tom Cleverley have been linked with the vacancy, while Lee Grant and former Preston player Graham Alexander have also been mentioned.
There’s an obvious Everton connection to the job. Moyes was appointed Preston manager in January 1998 and took them from the third tier to the Championship before leaving for Everton in March 2002.
Baines has remained on his coaching staff during Everton’s unbeaten start to the new season. For now, he’s simply one of the names being linked with the Preston vacancy.
LIVE! Premier League 2026/27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments
Moyes admits Everton would rather keep playing than have three-week break
Moyes admits Everton would rather keep playing than have three-week break
Grealish’s outrageous Everton pass shows another side to David Moyes’ team
Grealish’s outrageous Everton pass shows another side to David Moyes’ team