Lancashire

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Alex Hoad
BBC Sport England

Graham Alexander says he can see gradual improvements at Preston but there is "no magic wand" to solve their early-season struggles.

North End are bottom of the Championship with four points from 11 games and have lost all three since Alexander replaced Paul Heckingbottom at the helm.

The Lilywhites' 24 goals conceded is also the worst in the league with eight of those coming in the past two games, 4-0 at Birmingham last Tuesday and a 4-1 defeat at Wrexham on Saturday.

Alexander told BBC Radio Lancashire: "You can see the goals conceded and timing of goals (are the main issue) - you just have to look at the results and you can put your finger on it.

"Then you have to try to find what the cause was - if you can fix that, you can fix the issue.

"We have to improve and increase what we are doing without a shadow of a doubt. We're trying to focus on the basics. We needed the games to see the issues first hand. The only way to fix it is to work."

Time is against Alexander, with no pre-season to bed in and the January transfer window a long way away, but he added: "I 100% believe these players can improve; it's my role and responsibility to help them do that.

"Everything has to be done quickly in football. I have learned over the years the need for speed and preparation is essential. We have to do things quickly, but it doesn't happen overnight.

"We're not blessed with time. We have to work from where we are. You can't just wave a wand. I know the time it takes to make a full improvement but certainly as a team you can make gradual improvements day by day.

"Last Saturday we did make a stride forward, without a shadow of a doubt, but that's not what people want to hear when you lose 4-1.

"I'm not expecting anyone to see the end product we're trying to put in place, but I do, I know what it will take to do that. I only need to focus players' minds on the next step in the process."

Reflecting on the departures of first-team coaches Andy Liddell and Peter Murphy, Alexander said he was looking for one person to replace the two roles, adding: "We have to change the course of the season so far. The first three games have given me a clear indication of what the players need.

"I wanted to give myself a little bit of time but I think it's a natural course of action if you want significant change - we have to make significant change if we want to be a successful club."

He said this week's inter-squad match in training will be a regular occurrence to keep players fit and sharp but confirmed Liam Gibbs will be sidelined until the new year and fellow defender Lewis Gibson misses Saturday's visit of West Brom (15:00 BST).

Image source, Getty Images

First-team coaches Andy Liddell and Peter Murphy have both left Preston North End.

The pair were part of former head coach Paul Heckingbottom's backroom staff and had remained at Deepdale under new boss Graham Alexander when he was appointed at the end of last month.

Alexander brought in former Preston team-mate Chris Lucketti as his assistant.

North End are bottom of the Championship and have lost all three of the new head coach's games in charge.

Preston are at home to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, 24 October (15:00 BST).