Preston North End Season Preview
It was a successful season for Preston last year as they finally climbed out of League One and back into The Championship after Four Seasons away, but how will they deal with the step up in quality?
Best Case Scenario: Play Off Contention
Last season Preston North End competed against higher league opposition in the cup competitions and came out on top against eventually promoted Norwich City, so they obviously have what it takes to challenge at the top end of the table. They have Championship experience throughout their squad, and that will give them a huge boost as we edge closer to the start of the campaign. Manager Simon Grayson has made some smart signings so far and will be hoping to add one or two more faces before the close of the window in order to give them a chance to threaten the larger sides. Many fans are optimistic that the club can build on last seasons successes and will be hoping that the optimism in the stands can be felt by the players out on the pitch.
Worst Case Scenario: Relegation
The obvious fear with many newly promoted sides is the thought of going straight back down again at the first time of asking, we have seen it plenty of times before and Preston North End fans will be hoping we don’t see it from them this year. More signings are expected to be made between now and the close of the window, and the quality of those joining the club could set a marker as to what the club are going to achieve this year. Although the positivity around the place is there for all to see, the grey clouds could soon loom large over Deepdale if they don’t start picking up points from vital games against the sides expected to in and around them.
Players To Watch Out For: Jermaine Beckford and Kyel Reid
Jermaine Beckford – After signing Beckford on loan for the second part of last season, it was manager Simon Grayson’s main objective to secure the Play Off Final Hat-Trick Hero on a permanent basis this summer. With Premier League experience and a keen eye for goal, Beckford would be a great player for many Championship sides, and fellow players will be happy to be lining up with him rather then against him come Saturday 8th August.
Kyel Reid – Reid is a former West Ham United youngster who was tipped for great things, but unfortunately struggled to ever live up to his potential. Now, at 27 years old, he is finally setting games alight, with his tricky footwork and lighting pace giving fullbacks something to worry about for 90 minutes. He has been in and out of the side in recent months, but this season could be a break through year for him, and with a good pre season under his belt he could find himself being the player that Manager Simon Grayson turns to when he needs someone to make things happen.
Manager Rating: 8/10
Simon Grayson: 8/10 – He took over at Preston North End in February 2013, when the team was struggling and extremely low on confidence. That season he steered the club clear of relegation with four games to spare, and the following year her took them into the Play Offs, before being defeated by eventual winners Rotherham United over two legs. Last Season he finally completed the turn around by guiding the to The Championship with victory in the Play Off Final. He has had managerial roles in The Championship before and people are questioning whether he is going to stumble again, but make no mistake about it, if anyone can take Preston to the next level, Grayson can.
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