The 2024/25 Championship season will unlikely be remembered fondly by the faithful of Preston North End. The team underwent a significant upheaval, starting with the unexpected departure of Ryan Lowe after just one match, followed by a brief stint from Mike Marsh, before Paul Heckingbottom took the helm for the remainder. This managerial merry-go-round set the tone for a season fraught with challenges.
Despite a glimmer of play-off hopes early in the year, Preston narrowly escaped relegation, clinching safety by a mere point. A dramatic final day saw them squander a two-goal lead against Bristol City, a fitting summary of a campaign plagued by too many draws — a staggering 20, mirroring the 2005/06 season, albeit in starkly different circumstances nearly two decades later.
Post-season reflections have seen few surprises in departures, with several key players including Ryan Ledson and Emil Riis poised to leave on free transfers. CEO Peter Ridsdale expressed optimism about the opportunity to rebuild, a sentiment echoed by Heckingbottom who is keen to fill the gaps in the squad. Expectations suggest a bustling summer with potentially ten new faces arriving at Deepdale.
The transfer missteps of the past, illustrated by the underwhelming stint of Jeppe Okkels, have underscored the importance of astute signings. The club remains hopeful about the return of fan-favourite goalkeeper Daniel Iversen, alongside the need to strengthen positions across the board, from full-backs to forward lines.
One of the most critical acquisitions for the club will be securing a 'maverick' player capable of energising the stands and changing the course of games — a role previously filled by club legends like Paul Gallagher. This type of player could be pivotal in turning around fortunes and instilling a sense of excitement and unpredictability in the team's play.
As Preston North End embarks on this crucial rebuilding phase, the focus is not just on surviving but on laying the groundwork for a future that recaptures and exceeds past glories, particularly the memorable moments of triumph over local rivals.
In the spirit of keeping our spirits high and with a nod to our rivals, here’s today’s jest: "How many Burnley fans does it take to screw in a light bulb? None, they're still stuck in the dark about how to catch up with Preston’s upcoming glorious season!" Let's hope this rebuild puts as much light on our path as it does in leaving our rivals a few steps behind.
