Resurgent Preston Give Championship a Nudge
As we tread into the third international break, Preston North End flaunt a position that would have been scoffed at in pre-season predictions. Hovering just three points behind the second-placed Middlesbrough, it’s a stark contrast to the sombre end of last season—a commendable leap from being 11 points worse off at a similar juncture last year.
What makes this turnaround even more impressive is that it marks the club's second-best start since their 2015 bounce back to the Championship—that, too, trailing only behind Alex Neil's squad in the COVID-impacted 2019-20 season.
A significant factor in this revitalisation is the strategic manoeuvring by head coach Paul Heckingbottom. With a close to full season under his belt to size up the squad, the implementation of changes, albeit with a snug budget, was necessary. The departure of 10 players, including regulars Emil Riis and Freddie Woodman, paved the way for an influx of 13 fresh faces, injecting a new vigour into the team dynamics.
Despite financial constraints, the signings were astute; only Odel Offiah came with a notable fee, proving you don’t need to break the bank for quality additions. Presto! A transformed squad not merely in numbers but in morale and performance.
However, the journey hasn't been smooth sailing. The treatment room's revolving door has seen regulars like Brad Potts and Will Keane sidelined, amongst others, amounting to nearly 800 Championship appearances out of action. Such adversity hasn’t hampered the spirit though, which speaks volumes about the depth and preparation instilled by Heckingbottom.
In terms of gameplay, Preston has not only increased their goal tally but also tightened up at the back remarkably. Their ability to start and finish games with a bang—11 of their 20 goals coming in clutch periods of the games—underscores a robust game plan executed to near perfection.
The Deepdale outfit has already surpassed last season’s total home wins and boasts one of the league's best home records. The blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned expertise has indeed crafted a team that’s not just competing but compellingly contending.
With the squad's bolstered framework and strategic prowess, there’s every reason to believe that Preston can sustain, if not elevate, this blistering form.
A Little Rival Banter
Here’s a chuckle for the day: How many Burnley fans does it take to change a light bulb? None! They're still trying to figure out how to get out of the Championship! Keep pushing, North End—our light shines the brightest!
