Preston North End find themselves in a familiar January situation and must seize the moment
PNE head into this weekend’s match with Derby County sitting fourth
Not all too often, but we have certainly been here before. January comes and goes in a flash; it can be easy to let it pass you by. While this is one of the strongest Preston North End squads in recent seasons - certainly since they returned to the Championship in 2015 - what an opportunity the next few weeks present, to give Paul Heckingbottom and co an even better shot.
It’s worth noting that there is still an awful long way to go and there really is nothing in the Championship this season. That is greater motivation, though. Forget guarding against getting carried away, this is there to be seized and if you don’t, someone else will. In previous years, hindsight has painted a picture of the chance PNE had. This time, there is collective recognition in the moment. Everyone feels it.
So, Preston’s challenge is clear. We know Heckingbottom can be savvy in the media when he wants to be, but he has not shied away from what North End - in his eyes - need. It’s credit for the work done in the summer transfer window that the Deepdale outfit feel this close. Plenty headed into this campaign with apprehension; it has turned out to be a season of real potential.
There will be no expectations of multi-million pound signings this month. It’s regularly communicated that the year’s budget is the year’s budget. The summer - while spend wasn’t astronomical - will have placed a decent dent in that. Can you still find a way to improve? Everything points towards a forward loan addition, and how Preston have struck gold with those before: Cameron Archer and Tom Cannon.
A signing of that impact would be priceless for PNE at this stage. There is quality throughout the squad but you can always add more. January 2020 was a window many look back on with regret and there will be others, for a club that knows all too well the feeling of getting close but not quite there. North End’s position is a sell in itself and players seem to want to sign for Heckingbottom; there is reason for optimism.
The permanent sale of Stefan Thordarson and loan departure of Will Keane has to lift PNE’s chances of recruiting. A replacement for the former isn’t anticipated but North End will try and sign a midfielder if loan star Harrison Armstrong doesn’t return, as hoped, from Everton.
It will be interesting if Preston have set themselves a deadline for moving on from the Toffees man, though clarity and communication around that whole dynamic appears to be good, so there should be no surprise nor panic. After that, and a forward, you could make a case for added depth in defence - but the final third seems the ultimate focus. There is also squad space to consider.
Two-and-a-half weeks to go, then. The best points tally, after this many games, since promotion back to the second tier. A manager who has taken a team out of this division before. Some of the most gifted loan players Preston have signed, fit and firing. A captain leading the way. The third fewest goals conceded and second fewest games lost. Look back and know you gave yourself the best possible chance, that’s all anyone can ask.
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