Football Season Guide

It really has been a difficult summer for Preston thanks largely to the unexpected departure of Simon Grayson who left the club to join Sunderland. Grayson was the heart and soul of this club for the last few years so his departure could well hit them really hard, especially as he had done most of the planning and indeed signings for the new season and left quite late on in the summer. Alex Neil was North End's choice as new boss but he arrives with a hardly impressive recent CV having taken Norwich down from the Premier League and then had a disappointing season in the Championship last term. Neil will be under big personal pressure to deliver, although he should not be under much from Preston with expectations low this season. Josh Harrop has arrived from Manchester United and the striker will be expected to help the club's shortage of goals. Preston continue to sign players from Irish clubs, Kevin O'Connor and Sean Maguire the latest to arrive from Cork. Declan Rudd comes to the club as a goalkeeper and will challenge with Chris Maxwell for a spot in goal. Darnell Fisher has also arrived from Rotherham. Preston have kept hold of most of their players so there should be continuity from last term. However they have failed to sign Aiden McGeady, who has ironically now linked up with Grayson at Sunderland. McGeady was by far and away Preston's best player following his loan spell from Everton and he has left a void. Grayson made steady progress over the last few years but Neil certainly has his work cut out to continue that in a season which could be very difficult.