Team: Preston North End
Nickname: Lillywhites
Address: Deepdale, Sir Tom Finney Way, Preston, Lancs, PR1 6RU
Official Website: -
Stadium: Deepdale
Capacity: 22,250
Last Seasons Finish: 7th
2007-08 Prediction: Ply-Off Contenders
Championship Odds (Coral)
Outright: 20/1
Promotion: 13/2
Relegation: 12/1
| Did You Know? In 1887 Preston North End gave Hyde FC a 26-0 thrashing in the FA Cup. Not only is it the Lillywhites record Cup victory but also included the legend that the match lasted over two hours because the referee had lost his watch. |
:: Fans View ::
Name: Simon Ostiadel
Website: www.prestonnorthend-mad.co.uk
01. What's the best that could happen this season?
Automatic promotion I guess! I don't think it will happen for one minute but we can all dream. Realistically we have to get over a disappointing end to last season. Losing Nugent will be a big blow but replacements have to fit in and I think at the very best we could push for the play offs again but that is dependant on a lot of factors.
02. And the worst?
The worst is obviously relegation. We could be proved right by our rivals who think we are a one man team. We could well struggle with new players coming in an dif that is the case the season will be a long and hard one. We finished last season appalling and if we start like that we could be in for a battle although I would like to think there are at least 3 worst teams than us in the division!
03. Young player to watch?
After the departure of David Nugent his ex-Bury colleague is probably the one to watch - Simon Whaley. When on form he can bang in the goals and beat men from the right wing. He has skill and pace but needs to be on form. Other players such as Sean St Ledger and Liam Chilvers should progress defensively and hopefully we will see more of Neil Mellor who I believe is still young!
04. Most important player?
I think the return of Youl Mawene will be vital. Losing Nugent is a blow but if we can tie it up defensively with Mawene who was out all of last season it will be a bonus and help us gain extra points. I think Mellor could be important as well to bang in some goals in the absence of Nugent.
05. Player you would like to get rid of?
Most are on the transfer list already! Carlo Nash has caused trouble and is set to go at some point. I think a lot of the deadwood has been cleared out and we have a small squad as it is so to get rid of anymore wouldn't be beneficial!
06. Is your manager the right man for the job?
Only this season will tell. It was his first season at this level (Paul Simpson) last year and overall did not do a bad job but improvement will be needed this year and hopefully it will be his team this year after some summer signings.
07. What advice would you give him?
He needs to sign more midfield players. Last season we played almost 40 games with only one recognised midfield player. We need more creativity if we are going to score goals this season especially without David Nugent.
08. Which team do you most want to beat this season?
I think after not playing them since 2000 our local rivals Blackpool would be high on the wish list followed closely by Burnley.
09. Which opposition player will get the most stick?
Quite possibly anyone from Blackpool although as we haven't played for ages we probably won't recognise many of them. As Leeds United have gone down we can't taunt our ex-players so number one will most likely by Ade Akinbiyi at Burnley.
10. Where will you finish?
Tricky one. Depends on so many things for us this season. I have no idea who we will have signed before the start of the season so my opinion will change from now up until opening day. Heart says play offs but I think realistically we will be mid-table.
11. How would you rate Sheffield United and were will they finish?
I can't be sure you will be in the Championship at the start of the season with all this lobbying! If you are a lot depends on how your new boss adapts but I think you should be fine looking at play offs at least if not higher.