Ryan Lowe explains why he left Preston North End just one game into the new Championship season

Ryan Lowe has explained why he decided to leave Preston North End just one game into the new Championship season.

North End announced on Monday morning that they had parted company with Lowe via mutual consent after Friday's 2-0 home defeat to Sheffield United.

The side lost their last five games of last season without scoring a single goal, taking them out of play-off contention, and continued that unwanted streak at Deepdale.

Former England youth coach Mike Marsh will take charge of North End's Carabao Cup match against Sunderland on Tuesday, and will be assisted by current player-coach Ched Evans and the former Morecambe and Accrington midfielder Peter Murphy.

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Following the club statement announcing Lowe's departure, director Peter Ridsdale told talkSPORT that the former Bury and Crewe striker had in fact submitted his resignation on Sunday.

Now, Lowe has opened up about why he decided to leave his post at Deepdale just days into the new campaign.

In a message on the club's official website, he said: "I've had an unbelievable two-and-a-half years, met some incredible people and coached some fantastic players, but I feel now is the right time to move on.

"Thank you to Peter, Craig Hemmings and the Hemmings family for their support and backing and giving me the opportunity to manage a fantastic football club and establish myself as a Championship manager."

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After thanking past and present players and supporters, Lowe added: "I think now is the right time for the club to go in a different direction.

"I've always stressed since I walked through the door that, if I can't take the club any further, I'd leave it to someone else, and that's what I'm doing.

"I'm leaving the club in a good place with a fantastic squad, and I just wish the football club and everyone associated with it all the best in the future."