15 changes the Preston North End faithful would like to see as supporters submit their views

Part of the Lancashire Post’s ‘Big 2023/24 Supporter Survey’ saw Preston North End supporters asked what changes they would like to see at Deepdale. From the 1,300+ responses received, we have picked out a variety of the in-depth answers. You can have a read of them below:

‘More progressive football and more attacking intent. Too much resect is given to the "bigger teams" - the players look lost and fed up....’ and ‘Two wingers, more attacking football, play more from the back... and a bit more shooting from outside the area.’

‘Change formation to play with wingers. Build the team around Mads. Make sure we bring wing-backs in if we are wanting to continue playing the formation. Get some speed in the defence and potentially get a new keeper in.’ and ‘Better academy, new director of football, more transparency with fanbase.’

‘A clear and concise recruitment policy. Making full use of player trading, scout properly and sell when contracted, when their stock is highest and then use the funds to restart the cycle. Brentford did a great job in the Championship and Brighton are the obvious example in the Premier League.’

‘Replica kits improved (badge), Deepdale roof/catering improved. Expectation of fans better managed. Improved process for retaining current players - DJ, Ben Pearson seems to be similar to Alan Browne & we haven’t learnt. The biggest is XG - based on stats we were the 23rd most attacking/entertaining team in the league.’

‘Manager change. Transfers in to suit the system we play. Not giving players contracts that are undeserving of them. Players playing in their natural positions. Better scouting network to find young sellable talents, home and abroad. Scouting more international games in countries where the players are affordable and at youth level too I.e Albania, Poland, The Netherlands.

‘Give more chances with our younger players - especially when nothing to play for. Best and Mawene could have played more games at the end. Off the field, the club should look at providing it's own food and drink and up the quality as this will bring in more revenue.’ and ‘We need a five to ten year strategic plan around which the whole club and fan base is aligned, including footballing philosophy, academy and commercial side of the business’.

‘A back four system that gives us chance to get forwards/wingers into dangerous positions and attack the opposition. The foundations are there but we’re a few signings and an appealing system away from competing in this league.’

‘Shorter halftime queues. The Kelly roof being fixed. Q and A with the manager like in the old days.’ and ‘Two new large scoreboards/screens. One at each end. Completion of boxes on Invincibles stand.’

‘A coherent strategy. At the very least one of the following; focus on the academy, focus on recruiting young players and developing them in an U21/U23 squad, focusing on smart scouting/recruiting.’

‘More imaginative schemes to increase commercial revenues. Too many games we "surrendered" and we're beaten heavily, particularly the last 5. Plan for success - do not accept mediocrity. Invest in youth system - other clubs have brought in significant fees for home grown players.’

‘A system including a Director of Football type role to dictate an actual philosophy of play. We have made too many signings that just don't translate into the style of football we play. Our players aren't the best possession wise, but we have forwards with pace - so a counter attacking system would lend well considering we lead the league in terms of tackles completed per game. Change the footballing philosophy complete with new backroom staff and manager.’

‘Away atmosphere and support is fab. Home support atmosphere has been affected by what is being offered on the pitch. Need to get some fans together to liaise with PNE, to get atmosphere. Need a standing section of ‘singers’. Music choices before the game are good, but if the first 10 mins of the game are not exciting then the crowd is quiet. The flags were a great idea, but have become less used/effective to generate atmosphere. Style of play is key. At home, we play like the away team. This has a big impact on the atmosphere. Playing wing-backs and ‘defensive’ is OK but not at home. Current manager has polarised fans like no other. Not sure the style of play is correct for home and away. Also, other teams do their homework and know we generally don't have a Plan B.’

1. Safe standing to generate more atmosphere 2. Better catering services, still far too slow serving at half time 3. A move away from the wing back system to a more attacking brand of football and a team set up to score goals and entertain.

‘First priority is a new manager. Much as I don't like the chop and change nature of the league, I can’t see Lowe taking us any further and the past season has been a massive decline in the quality of football. The transfer policy at the club is a little confused too, given financial restraints - the fact we haven't sold a player for a good fee for years is hindering our progress. Granted this past summer was a move in the right direction, Osmajic and Frokjaer both have high ceilings and potential sale value in the future.’

Change of manager, change to a back four with proper full backs, attacking football, suitable depth in every position, something to improve home atmosphere - it really is like being in a library even when we’re winning/have big games.