Ryan Lowe weighs in on Preston North End coach Rob Kelly’s break from the game

Preston North End manager Ryan Lowe hopes to see coach Rob Kelly get better and says the club won’t be looking to replace him for the time being.

The Lilywhites added the experienced coach to their backroom team last month, following Paul Gallagher’s exit to Stoke City and the appointment of Peter Murphy. However, Kelly is now taking time out of the game due to ‘personal health issues which are preventing him continuing in his role’.

North End have put no timeframe on any potential return for Kelly – who was on PNE’s staff between 2007 and 2010 and has also worked for Blackburn Rovers, Leeds United, Wigan Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday during his long coaching career. Lowe was asked about Kelly’s situation in his latest pre-match press conference and simply wanted to wish him the best.

“What I will say about Rob is that he’s been a big figure in where I’ve got to today,” said Lowe. “We were at Bury together and I had six months of work with him. He’s still high in my regard, for what he’s done for me. I continue to speak to him every couple of days. I don’t want to say too much, because it’s a personal issue with Rob. We wish him all the best. He’s on the mend and who knows?

“But, as far as now, we’ve got a job to do with the team, the players and Rob understands that. He’s a top, top bloke and we just want to wish him well in getting well. We are fine with what we’ve got. We haven’t looked at that. And again, it’s more important than anything for Rob to get better himself. He will slowly but surely get there I’m sure.”

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Preston North End loan defender Calvin Ramsay will be sidelined for six to eight weeks.

The Scotsman signed on loan from Liverpool earlier this summer, with a view to playing a key role at right wing-back in Ryan Lowe’s 3-5-2 system. Ramsay linked up with PNE late due to finishing rehabilitation on an injury with his parent club. The former Aberdeen man played three matches for the Reds last campaign, in all competitions.

He joined North End’s pre-season training in mid-July and was in line for minutes against Salford City in the Carabao Cup, but was not involved in the match night squad come the game. And it has transpired that Ramsay has been dealt another injury blow, though the specifics of the issue are undisclosed.