Assistant manager Stuart McCall says Paul Heckingbottom was “very disappointed” to have been sent off in the middle of Preston’s 2-1 win at Watford.
Two goals from Milutin Osmajic either side of half-time secured a deserved victory for North End, with Rocco Vata’s reply too late for the Hornets.
The only bad news for Preston was the red card shown to manager Heckingbottom at half-time by referee Tom Neild.
EFL rules prevent a manager who has been sent off from carrying out post-match media duties so McCall, his number two, took over – though the former Scotland midfielder admitted he had only scant details of what had upset the official.
“I think it was an altercation, the rumour is that there was some bad language,” he said.
“It wasn’t ideal. We will find out what the reasons are in the next 24 hours but I know he is very disappointed with what’s happened. I don’t think he feels it merited a red card, that’s for sure.”
There was no doubt however that North End were pleased with only their second away win in the league this season, which followed a 0-0 draw at Luton on Saturday.
“We are pleased not only with the result but by the level of the performance,” McCall added. “We were disappointed at half-time being only one up.
“We put balls behind them and across the box and it was a really good defensive performance
“We knew they were going to have a right go at us and on the counter we are a right threat. It would be nice if they hadn’t scored and given us some grey hairs at the end though.
“We have had some decent performances where we have drawn and should have got more points. I’m pleased for the supporters, we have sent them home happy.
“We had five big chances in the game, we could have been more clinical, but to take four points from two away games we are absolutely delighted.”
Watford, who won 2-0 at Derby on Saturday, would have moved into the play-off positions had they won but never recovered from a sub-standard first 45 minutes.
Manager Tom Cleverley made it clear that inconsistency will prevent the Hornets from achieving success.
“First half, we were absolutely nowhere near it,” he said. “I didn’t recognise the players I saw in the first half and that’s a worrying comment.
“Preston ran harder, ran faster, they tackled harder, they won every first contact, every second contact, and that’s before I even start technically on us as a team.
“We’re throwing games into the hands of the gods. We’re always giving ourselves mountains to climb. Sometimes we’ll do it, sometimes we won’t.
“It’s more disappointing after winning at Derby on Saturday. It’s what we are – a very inconsistent football team. We don’t have enough that have got that elite mindset.
“I will say it until I’m blue in the face – there is no point putting in a nine out of 10 performance on Saturday and a two out of 10 on Tuesday. There is absolutely no future for a team of mavericks in this division.
“Preston are one of the most solid teams in the league. Give them one goal and you’re in trouble. Give them two and you’re almost dead.”
