'Dangerous game' - Preston North End expert's passionate response to key question over former Leeds and Sheffield United boss

That’s the belief of the Lancashire Evening Post's PNE correspondent George Hodgson, who maintains the former Sheffield United and Leeds boss requires time to turn things around at Deepdale.

Hecky, of course, replaced Ryan Lowe, who opted to leave following an opening-day defeat to Sheffield United.

Since taking over from the Liverpudlian in mid-August, Heckingbottom has been in charge for 16 matches. He's overseen four wins, seven draws and five defeats in that time. And as he took over towards the end of the transfer window, he was only able to make one signing - Josh Bowler.

Before recording the latest episode of the Preston North End Weekly podcast, Hodgson was asked: ‘Has PH started the job well? Like it or not this is not far off a squad that finished 10th last year. I’ve seen little to suggest he can exceed on a small budget.’

In response, out PNE writer said: “I get Stephen's point, but I think this is a dangerous game to go remotely close to (suggesting) it was really good before and we were doing fine.

“Yes, we finished 10th - I get it and you cannot argue with that. But people were so fed up and we were not in a good place there. People did not enjoy it and after that eight-game run at the start of last season, 43 points from 38 games.

"So, this has been coming for some time. You cannot completely discard a run like that at the start of the season, but performances suggest this was coming really. This has not been a team playing well, playing as a 10th-placed team, for quite a long time. So, we know what he has inherited; he came in with his eyes open.

"I think, while you were not really looking at the table after 10-15 games last season, it would quite harsh to look at it and say: 'He is doing a poor job, we are sitting 20th'. Three wins, six draws, four defeats... I think there has been more encouragement than not. I think he has been better. I have enjoyed listening to him and the players seem really on board with it.

"Some of the performances have been really refreshing to see. If we go through the draws, you should win at Plymouth. I don't think that is on the manager. 3-0 up after 60 minutes, the players have got to get that done.

“Blackburn, we went down to 10 men. Burnley, a bad decision and probably deserved to win. Norwich was frustrating. Most of the draws, we have maybe been on the right side of."

Last time out, North End suffered a 3-1 defeat to Portsmouth at Fratton Park. It was a first half to forget as Josh Murphy and Connor Ogilvie gave the hosts a 2-0 lead. Emil Riis pulled a goal back but the returning Colby Bishop scored a penalty late on to ensure PNE would go home empty-handed.

A statistical look at the game showed PNE had more of the ball as they boasted 59% possession.But they only registered one shot on target.

Their wretched away form continues, having not won on their travels this season - and there were similarities to the performance that was delivered against Millwall.

“It was almost the exact same as Millwall,” added Hodgson.

“Thordarson and Frokjaer came off the bench there, we improved, but still ended up losing. Conceding three to Oxford, Millwall, Plymouth... I don't think frustration is going to be directed the manager's way anytime soon.

“I just don't see that coming. But, you cannot keep conceding three goals. That needs to stop, because you are not going to win are you?"