Preston North End Suffer Another Setback as Captain McCann Ruled Out for Months
Thursday, 10 September 2026 | By James Thompson
Preston North End remain rooted to the foot of the Championship table after a frustrating 2-1 defeat at Watford on Tuesday night, extending a difficult start to the 2026-27 season under manager Paul Heckingbottom.
Callum Lang gave the Lilywhites an early lead in the fifth minute at Vicarage Road on his 28th birthday, capitalising on a rebound after the home goalkeeper saved an initial effort. Preston controlled large periods of the first half and created several clear chances to extend their advantage, but failed to convert them. Watford fought back after the break, with Edo Kayembe equalising in the 69th minute before Mamadou Doumbia headed home the winner seven minutes later. The result left North End with just one win from their opening six league matches and a record of one victory, five defeats, six goals scored and twelve conceded.
The defeat came just three days after a hard-fought 2-1 home success against local rivals Blackburn Rovers, in which Lang scored both goals. That result had briefly lifted spirits at Deepdale and ended a run of four consecutive league losses. However, the subsequent reverse at Watford means Preston sit bottom of the division on three points, level with Burnley but behind on goal difference.
Further bad news emerged on Wednesday when the club confirmed that captain Ali McCann has undergone successful surgery on a hamstring injury and is expected to be sidelined for several months. The midfielder’s absence is a significant blow for Heckingbottom, who has already had to manage a squad still settling after a busy summer transfer window that brought in multiple permanent and loan signings.
Among the new arrivals, loanee Delano Burgzorg has impressed with his work rate and contribution to the press, while recent deadline-day additions Johnny Kenny and Liam Gibbs are still adapting to the demands of regular Championship football. Heckingbottom has repeatedly stressed that the squad is only now complete and that time is required for the group to gel, particularly with a heavy early fixture schedule that has seen seven games in 22 days by the time they face Lincoln City.
North End return to Deepdale on Saturday for the visit of Lincoln City, a match that offers an opportunity to climb away from the foot of the table. The manager has indicated that the following week, free of midweek fixtures, will be valuable for training and recovery. Supporters will hope the side can build on the attacking promise shown in spells against both Blackburn and Watford and convert more of their chances.
With the season still in its early stages, Preston’s focus remains on finding consistency and turning promising performances into points. The coming weeks will be crucial as Heckingbottom seeks to steady the ship and move the Lilywhites clear of the relegation zone.