Two consecutive 15th place finishes in the Second Division (now League One) followed, as North End consolidated their standing in the third tier of English football. Then, in 1998/99, they finished fifth, making the playoffs, where they lost out 2-1 on aggregate to Gillingham, who would themselves go on to lose in dramatic fashion on penalties to Manchester City in the playoff final.
Not to be deterred, the team regrouped and went again, taking the division by storm the following season as they won 28 out of 46 games, losing just seven and scoring 74 goals in the process as they finished seven points above their nearest challengers, Burnley. Having sealed promotion and their place in the First Division (now the Championship), Preston North End have since spent 19 of the subsequent 23 seasons in the second tier of English football.
17. Paul McKenna celebrates scoring the winning penalty during the penalty shoot-out during the Preston North End v Birmingham City Nationwide division one play-off semi-final second leg at Deepdale
Paul McKenna celebrates scoring the winning penalty during the penalty shoot-out during the Preston North End v Birmingham City Nationwide division one play-off semi-final second leg at Deepdale Photo: Ian Robinson
18. Man of the Match Lee Cartwright shows plenty of commitment in this challenge PNE vs Bournemouth
Man of the Match Lee Cartwright shows plenty of commitment in this challenge PNE vs Bournemouth Photo: Kevin McGuinness
19. Sean Gregan celebrates his penalty in the game between Preston North End and Birmingham in the Nationwide Division 1 play off semi final, second leg at Deepdale
Sean Gregan celebrates his penalty in the game between Preston North End and Birmingham in the Nationwide Division 1 play off semi final, second leg at Deepdale Photo: David Hurst
20. Rob Edwards, Graham Alexander and Mark Rankine celebrate Preston North End championship after the Preston North End v Millwall match at Deepdale
Rob Edwards, Graham Alexander and Mark Rankine celebrate Preston North End championship after the Preston North End v Millwall match at Deepdale Photo: Ian Robinson