Where are they now? The only Preston North End XI to beat one of Paul Heckingbottom's teams

He’s in the Preston North End dugout now, but Paul Heckingbottom has come up against the Lilywhites eight times in his managerial career - and only tasted defeat once.

That came back in April 2018, when Alex Neil’s PNE beat Leeds United 3-1 at Deepdale. In the seven other meetings with Preston, Heckingbottom’s teams drew on four occasions and won three times. Jumping back to that North End victory, though, it was a comeback win on the night.

Kemar Roofe fired the visitors ahead after 13 minutes, but two goals in two second half minutes saw Preston take the lead - with Paul Gallagher scoring from the penalty spot and Sean Maguire heading home. Eight minutes from time, Alan Browne flicked home a delightful header to secure the points.

Six-and-a-half years on, what are the 14 players involved that night up to now?

GK: Declan Rudd

Forced to retire in March 2022 due to a knee injury, Rudd is now back home in Norwich and working as a goalkeeping coach at the Canaries.

RB: Tom Clarke

The PNE legend announced his retirement last September, due to persistent knee injuries. He is now getting into coaching, with North End’s academy. Occasionally can be heard commentating on games!

CB: Paul Huntington

Huntington left Carlisle United this summer after a couple of years with his hometown club. He is yet to sign for a new club, but trained with several other pros at the PFA’s official pre-season camp.

CB: Ben Davies

The 29-year-old has joined Birmingham City on loan from Rangers. He made his debut on Tuesday night, against Walsall in the EFL Trophy.

LB: Greg Cunningham

The Irishman returned home this summer, signing for Galway United. He has made four appearances for the club, who sit fourth in the League of Ireland Premier Division.

CM: Ben Pearson

Currently sidelined through injury at Stoke City, for whom he made 32 appearances last season. Pearson has been ruled out of the Potters’ first 10 games, following surgery on his hamstring.

CM: Paul Gallagher

The 40-year-old left Stoke City’s coaching staff last season. He is now looking to embark on his own managerial journey - which he discussed in an interview with the Lancashire Post this year.

RM: Tom Barkhuizen

The 31-year-old is in his third season at Derby County and is still featuring regularly, with six appearances made so far this campaign.

CAM: Alan Browne

The Irishman brought his 10-and-a-half year stay at PNE to an end this summer. He signed for Sunderland, who have made a great start to the season. Browne scored in Saturday’s win at Portsmouth.

LM: Billy Bodin

After leaving Oxford United, Bodin made the move to Burton Albion this summer. He’s scored three goals so far for the Brewers, across five appearances.

ST: Sean Maguire

Maguire, who also left Carlisle United this summer, made the romantic move back to Cork City - whom PNE bought him from back in 2017. Maguire is adored at Turners Cross. He scored a brace against Longford Town last week.

SUB: Josh Harrop

The former PNE and Manchester United midfielder spent the second half of last season with Cheltenham Town. He is currently a free agent.

SUB: Callum Robinson

Robinson recently scored the equaliser for Cardiff City, in the South Wales derby at Swansea. It’s his third season with Cardiff.

SUB: Daryl Horgan

Horgan is also back with the club North End signed him from: Dundalk. He returned to the Premier Division club in August 2023.