Football Season Guide

Preston had a remarkable first season back in the Championship where they exceeded expectations and briefly flirted with the play-offs. The second season looks like being a harder one but it is certainly a challenge that Simon Grayson will embrace head on. The likeable Preston boss had a reputation for having a solid defence last term and may now need to look more closely at his attack. However Jermaine Beckford, who missed much of last term, is fit again while Simon Makienok has been signed on loan to give an extra dimension. Anders Lindegaard has also been signed permanently to play in goal while Tommy Spurr and Ben Pringle offer useful additions. North End suffered a huge blow on the eve of the season after Calum Woods, a mainstay of the backline, suffered a campaign-ending injury.