St Ledger admits that this season has been one of under-achievement for
Preston.

They round off the season against Bristol City at Ashton Gate tomorrow (2pm) with 14th place the highest position they can reach.

Centre-half St Ledger thinks PNE should have been much further up the table considering the quality of the squad.

But it needed a second-half-of-the-season revival under Irvine just to get them safe from relegation after being bottom at the turn of the year.

St Ledger told the Evening Post: "With the players we've got in the squad, we're not in the right position in the league.

"We should have really have been a lot higher - we have under-achieved.
"The aim will be to do a lot better next season, be challenging at the top end of the table instead of fighting relegation.

"I'm sure that under the gaffer we can do well.

"He will no doubt add to the squad in the summer and prepare us for next season with a lot of hard work on the training ground.

"The gaffer is great to work for, he's really organised and is fair to everyone.

"If you are not in the team, he will speak to you and explain why he hasn't picked you - that's a good thing from a player's point of view.

"No one likes being left out at the best of times, but it's
even worse if no one explains why that decision has been made.

"Training is really good under the gaffer, everyone enjoys it, and there's stuff we have done which I hadn't seen before.

"You can tell he comes from a Premier League background and I've already learned so many good things under him."

The North End squad will go their separate ways early next week before reporting back for pre-season training on July 1.

St Ledger predicts he'll be ready to start the hard graft long before then, although he is looking forward to the summer break.

He said: "Pre-season training comes round quickly but I don't mind that, I tend to get a bit bored at home after a while.

"I've no doubt the training will be hard - already we've heard the gaffer talking a couple of times about wanting us to hit the ground running.

"We'll all be given a fitness programme to stick to over the summer holidays so that we stay in shape."

Before the North End squad can think of their holidays, they've got play-off challenging Bristol City to contend with.

Gary Johnson's side have surprised many people by challenging at the top end of the table in their first season back at this level.

Not too long ago they looked good for automatic promotion, but a dip in results means they have to content themselves with the lottery of the play-offs instead.

The Robins are certain of their play-off place, with tomorrow's game more about seeking to gain home advantage in the second leg - victory would ensure fourth spot.

St Ledger said: "When a team comes up you don't really expect them to finish as high as Bristol City have done.

"Maybe if they don't get promotion this time, they might find it harder next year - the second season is often said to be the hardest.

"It's a tough game for us but no doubt they will be thinking that too."