Former Preston North End midfielder Brian Barry-Murphy is being considered by Queens Park Rangers as they target a new manager.
We’re used to seeing former PNE players pop in managerial roles across the EFL.
Graham Alexander has held a number of managerial posts whilst Gareth Ainsworth has been working wonders at Wycombe Wanderers for years now.
Just down the M55, Michael Appleton is in charge of our bitter rivals Blackpool
PNE could soon take on another former player with Brian Barry-Murphy now in the running to become Queens Park Rangers boss.
QPR lost boss Michael Beale to Rangers earlier this week and are now seeking a replacement.
The Daily Mail claim that Barry-Murphy is one of the contenders for the job as QPR consider their options.
Barry-Murphy, 44, joined PNE back in 1999 and stayed with North End for four years before heading off to Sheffield Wednesday, Bury and Rochdale.
The Irishman carved out a strong EFL career for himself and moved into management with Rochdale in 2019, taking charge of 109 games.
Barry-Murphy resigned in 2021 and made a huge move to Manchester City, becoming the new manager of their Elite Development Squad after Enzo Maresca’s departure.
Barry-Murphy is now in charge of developing City’s top young talent and his work with the Premier League champions now appears to have attracted interest from QPR.
There are a number of other contenders for the job though, including recent Blackpool boss Neil Critchley.
If Barry-Murphy does secure the job at Loftus Road, he would be in line to manage against PNE on December 17th.
That would not only see him return to Deepdale but also go up against PNE boss Ryan Lowe after they were teammates at Bury during the 2009/19 season.