Preston North End coaches Andy Liddell and Peter Murphy depart Deepdale

Preston North End have confirmed the departure of first-team coaches Andy Liddell and Peter Murphy as new manager Graham Alexander begins his assessment of the backroom staff.

Preston North End have confirmed the departure of first-team coaches Andy Liddell and Peter Murphy as new manager Graham Alexander begins his assessment of the backroom staff. The club announced the exits on Monday evening, with Alexander appointing Chris Lucketti as his assistant.

Graham Alexander, who was appointed at the end of last month, inherited the coaching setup from his predecessor Paul Heckingbottom. He stated he would evaluate all staffing options without prejudice. "I gave everyone a chance to remain with my project," Alexander said.

He confirmed that Jason Euell and Mike Pollitt remain with the club.

Poor form continues

They have lost all three matches under Alexander's charge, most recently a 4-1 defeat at Wrexham last Saturday. Their recent form reads five games without a win, with four defeats and a draw, a sequence that includes a 4-0 loss at Birmingham and a 2-2 draw with QPR. The team's struggles are highlighted by a league-worst defensive record of 24 goals conceded against just nine scored, leaving them with a minus 15 goal difference and a significant gap of 19 points to leaders Swansea City.

Analysis of their performances shows a particular vulnerability in the opening phases of games, having conceded a high number of goals within the first 15 minutes of matches this season. Alfie Devine scored their consolation at the Racecourse Ground, but creating consistent chances has been a problem throughout the campaign.

Upcoming challenge

The Baggies are fifth in the table, presenting a stern test for a side rooted to the bottom. The manager will hope the staff reshuffle can spark an improvement, starting with the match at Deepdale on 24 October. He acknowledged the scale of the task ahead, noting the need for immediate defensive solidity and a more competitive edge across the full 90 minutes to try and secure a first win of his tenure. The team's last five results, which read zero wins, one draw and four defeats, show the size of the challenge facing the new coaching team.