‘Immediate reform of leadership’: Preston North End fan groups write open letter to Craig Hemmings

Two groups representing Preston North End supporters have called for ‘immediate reform’ at Deepdale as the debate over whether the club is stable or stagnant continues.

While director Peter Ridsdale is not named directly in the letter, it is clear that a number of criticisms of the club’s leadership are aimed at the 72-year-old whose time at the club has divided fans – particularly when results and football are less than satisfactory.

The letter was co-penned by PNE Online and Preston Supporters Collective Steering Group and takes aim at why ‘one person’ is able to control key areas of the club’s operations with player recruitment, media relations, youth strategy and fan interactions all cited.

Preston North End sit in 19th place in the Championship table under new manager Paul Heckingbottom – who retains support among the fanbase – but faced a particularly challenging season.

The club was preparing for another season under Ryan Lowe – who had led the club to midtable finishes consistently but was becoming more unpopular as time continued – before the 46-year-old Liverpudlian threw in the towel after one game of the season.

The letter does not specifically call for the removal of any individual – but it does state ‘current leadership structure requires a new approach’ and that ‘it’s time to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to revitalise the club’.

The current ownership, led by Craig Hemmings as chairman, have made no secret of the fact that the club is up for sale. They spend around £12m each year to keep the club running.

The letter in full

Dear Mr. Hemmings,

Two years ago, Preston North End supporters raised concerns about the club’s management, from transfer strategy to youth development. Despite this, little has changed.

It’s time for action.

PNE has been labelled the “most boring club in the EFL”, a title that is becoming harder to dispute. While we appreciate the Hemmings family’s financial support, the club’s leadership raises serious questions. Why is one person allowed to control key areas of the club’s operations, including player recruitment, media relations, and questionable fan interactions, without proper oversight?

Following the “unacceptable” end to the 2023/24 EFL Championship season and a lack of decisive summer action, the club’s direction is unclear.

We fully support Paul Heckingbottom and Stuart McCall, but they need adequate resources to succeed.

Despite calls for reinforcements, the squad remains unbalanced. Our recent high-profile signing -made without a manager in place -highlights the need for better strategic planning, especially given the club’s limited budget.

With half the starting squad out of contract this summer and a history of players leaving for free, the transfer strategy urgently needs a radical overhaul. Financial Fair Play regulations may pose challenges, but creative solutions are achievable with the right leadership.

Supporter groups like PNE Online and PSC collaborate with dedicated club staff to improve the matchday experience. However, this enthusiasm needs to be reflected at the top. The matchday experience continues to decline, and off-field issues-such as outsourced facility contracts and inadequate maintenance of Deepdale-exacerbate the situation.

The current leadership structure requires a new approach. Recruitment, contract management, and the club’s vision need immediate reform. We advocate for fresh ideas and a renewed commitment to Premier League aspirations.

As proud supporters, we stand ready to assist in any capacity.

It’s time to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to revitalise the club. The future of Preston North End depends on it.

PNE Online, on behalf of our members, Associate Member, Football Supporters’ Association

Preston Supporters Collective Steering Group, Associate Member, Football Supporters’ Association

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