Hibernian and Preston are interested in a League Two manager as potential replacements amid looming sackings.

Bristol Rovers manager Steve Evans has emerged as a potential target for both Hibernian and Preston North End should either club decide to part company with their current manager, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Evans’ impressive work at Bristol Rovers has attracted attention from clubs higher up the football pyramid, with both Hibernian and Preston understood to have identified the experienced coach as someone they could consider if changes are made in their dugouts.

The situation at Hibernian has become increasingly uncomfortable for David Gray following Thursday’s disappointing Edinburgh derby defeat against Hearts. The result represented another setback for the Leith club and extended their worrying run of five consecutive home league defeats.

Preston are also facing their own managerial concerns. Paul Heckingbottom is under growing pressure after a disastrous beginning to the Championship campaign. Preston currently sit at the bottom of the table after suffering defeat in each of their opening four league matches.

Evans, who has previously managed Leeds United and Rotherham United, is believed to have supporters within the decision-making structures at both Easter Road and Deepdale. His dramatic transformation of Bristol Rovers has strengthened his reputation and placed him firmly on the radar of clubs considering a managerial change.

Since taking charge, Evans has overseen an extraordinary improvement in Bristol Rovers’ fortunes. The club have won 14 of their last 18 matches under his management, collecting more points than any other team in the division during that period. They have also suffered only two defeats across that impressive run.

That form has helped Evans guide Bristol Rovers to the top of League Two, and the club are now increasingly aware that interest in their manager is beginning to grow. His success has inevitably made him a potential candidate for clubs searching for a new manager.

Why has Steve Evans attracted so much attention?

Evans inherited a Bristol Rovers side in serious trouble when he arrived last December. The club had suffered ten consecutive defeats and were firmly positioned inside the League Two relegation zone.

The experienced manager immediately faced the difficult task of reversing their fortunes and preventing a disastrous season from ending in relegation from the EFL.

Evans succeeded in doing exactly that. He helped Bristol Rovers recover from their poor run, move away from danger and eventually finish the campaign comfortably in 14th place. His ability to stabilise the club under difficult circumstances earned him considerable credit.

The improvement has continued into the current season. Bristol Rovers have maintained their excellent momentum, and their strong performances have attracted interest from a number of Evans’ long-standing admirers in both England and Scotland.

At 63, Evans brings considerable experience to the role. He has previously managed in the Championship, meaning he already understands the demands of the division and could potentially make the step back up without needing a lengthy adjustment period.

A return to Scotland could also be appealing for Evans, who is Scottish and has spent much of his managerial career working in England. The possibility of returning to his home country could add another dimension to the interest from Hibernian.

Bristol Rovers are naturally keen to keep hold of their manager. The club have ambitious objectives for the current campaign and want Evans to remain in charge as they attempt to build on their remarkable turnaround.

However, their position could become increasingly difficult if Hibernian or Preston decide to make a managerial change and formally approach their boss.

What is happening with David Gray at Hibernian?

Hibernian’s interest in Evans comes at a time when David Gray is facing mounting scrutiny over his position at Easter Road.

Gray has endured a difficult beginning to the new campaign, with the latest setback coming in Thursday’s Edinburgh derby against Hearts. Hibernian were comfortably beaten on their own ground, leaving supporters deeply frustrated with the direction of the team.

Hearts secured a convincing victory after James Wilson, Laurent Mendy and Josh McPake all found the net. The defeat was particularly painful for Hibs supporters because it represented another loss in one of Scottish football’s most fiercely contested local rivalries.

The result also extended Hearts’ dominance in the fixture, with the Edinburgh club now having won three consecutive derbies against Hibernian.

Supporters have become increasingly vocal about Gray’s future and are calling for the manager to be dismissed immediately. The pressure has intensified because Hibs have now suffered five successive home defeats in SPFL competition.

The growing dissatisfaction among supporters could place the club’s hierarchy under pressure to make a decision. If Gray is removed, Evans is understood to be one of the names who could enter the conversation.

Preston’s situation is similarly uncertain, with Heckingbottom under pressure after losing all four of the club’s opening Championship matches.

For now, Evans remains focused on Bristol Rovers and their impressive League Two campaign. The club will hope his outstanding form can continue without outside interest becoming a distraction. Nevertheless, with both Hibernian and Preston monitoring developments, Bristol Rovers may soon have to prepare for serious approaches for their manager.