Oldham Athletic’s David Eyres called his sudden exit from Preston North End ‘devastating’ in a candid interview, reflecting on the emotional weight of managerial moves and his time at Boundary Park. The former Latics boss, who left Preston in 2024 after just one season, described the transition as ‘one of the hardest moments of my career.’

Why did Eyres leave Preston so abruptly?

Eyres’ departure from Preston North End came after a season where results failed to match expectations, despite early promise. The club’s board reportedly cited a ‘lack of progress’ in the play-offs push, forcing his exit in February 2024. For Eyres, the shock of the dismissal was compounded by the timing—mid-season, with no clear path forward.

What was his time at Oldham like?

Before Preston, Eyres managed Oldham Athletic for two seasons (2021–2023), overseeing a mid-table finish in League Two before leaving for deeper pockets. His tenure saw the Latics stabilize after relegation, though progress was incremental. Eyres later admitted that ‘Oldham was a special place’ but acknowledged the constraints of a club fighting to avoid the drop.

How does this affect Oldham now?

Eyres’ words arrive as Oldham Athletic sit 10th in League Two, 19 points behind leaders Bromley, with a 68-point haul from 46 games—including a 3-0 win over Accrington Stanley on May 2, 2026. The Latics’ recent form has been shaky (WWLLL in their last five), though a two-game winning run offers a glimmer of hope. Eyres’ reflection on managerial pressures may resonate with current boss John Askey, who faces his own challenges in keeping the club above the relegation zone.

What’s next for Oldham?

With the transfer window closed and no major signings on the horizon, Oldham’s focus shifts to consistency. The +16 goal difference (60 scored, 44 conceded) suggests a balanced attack, but defensive frailties remain. Eyres’ interview underscores the mental toll of management—lessons Askey may heed as the Latics push for a playoff push in 2026–27.