Preston North End boss explains how he looks towards stats for reassurances

North End did nearly everything but score in the opening two league games of the season but the statistical side of the game is going well for the Lilywhites.

Lowe is a manager that is interested in that side of the game, working closely with his analysts game to game and monitoring the numbers his side are putting out.

He said: “We are second in the league for crosses, first for accurate crosses, second for defensive challenges, third for aerial challenges and fourth for passes into the box.

"Those things are not massive things but it's a case of seeing the work we do on a daily basis. On another day we score goals, but also we could have still been there now and not scored any.

"When you see those numbers and see those stats it fills you with good optimism that you're on the right track and when one goal goes in you'll be fine. That's what we'll keep doing, we'll keep doing the right things.

"I remember coming in last season and the stats went through the roof for the games we took, it's what I expect.”

Stats are not the be-all and end-all for Lowe, for but he knows he can use them to back up his players and maintain their confidence.

He is not one to forsake all logic, and the naked eye, in favour of the stats but feels they have their uses.

He said: “It reassures the boys, but they do know it. There are games where you come off the pitch and you've played badly and you just go 'forget them stats!'

"You've had 30 per cent possession but you've won 1-0 - I'll take that most weeks but I still want the brand and philosophy to stay.

"That's what it is, the crosses into the box, the shots, the high xG, the attempts. Everything that we thrive to improve every day as a football club and on the football pitch, it's evident to see it's working.

"The stats will eventually tell you that the more you keep doing that the more that you will get from it.”