Preston North End's assistant manager, Stuart McCall, has openly praised the impact of young talent Harrison Armstrong, following his loan move from Everton. The 18-year-old midfielder, who previously made his mark at Derby with 15 appearances last season, has seamlessly integrated into the Preston lineup, making nine appearances this season so far.
Armstrong's maturity and game understanding for his age have stood out, qualities that McCall monitored closely during the player's time at Derby—a club battling relegation when Armstrong joined them. His ability to perform under pressure and contribute to the less glamorous aspects of the game has not only impressed McCall but also made Armstrong a favoured figure in the dressing room among teammates both young and old.
McCall’s faith in Armstrong was solidified after a tense wait until the transfer deadline, a patience that has evidently paid off. The assistant manager believes that retaining Armstrong till the season's end is crucial for maintaining the team's current momentum.
The Lilywhites are currently positioned just inside the play-off spots, ranking sixth after consecutive victories against tough competitors Sheffield United and Southampton. These results underscore a promising campaign that could see Preston fighting for top honours in the Championship this season.
Riding high on recent success, McCall stresses the importance of focusing on their own performances rather than getting caught up in what the opposition brings to the table. As Preston continues to harness their strengths and maintain form, the optimism around the club suggests they could be a formidable force as the season progresses.
With the current stride and the inclusion of fresh, effective talent like Armstrong, there are hopeful echoes among the fans of Preston's glorious past, recalling seasons where they've triumphed over local rivals and scaled competitive peaks.
One can't help but reminisce about the 1888-89 season when Preston North End won the inaugural Football League without losing a single match — a testament to their storied history of resilience and ambition. The belief swirling around Deepdale is that perhaps, just perhaps, this could be another season for the history books.
To conclude on a lighter note, here’s a bit of football humour for you: How many Burnley fans does it take to change a light bulb? None! They're too busy living in the past, celebrating that time they finally made it to the Premier League for a season. Meanwhile, the rest of us are plotting our path back to the top!
As Preston North End pushes forward in the league, let's keep our spirits high and our focus sharp, hoping for a season filled with success and possibly a new chapter of triumph to be written.
