'That will be my message' - Stuart McCall's plea to Preston North End faithful as Stoke City example given
PNE have 35 points on the board this season
Preston North End assistant boss Stuart McCall says support through thick and thin will be vital this season.
After beating Oxford United away from home on Saturday afternoon, the Lilywhites finished the weekend sitting third in the Championship. PNE have played 21 games and are looking to now strengthen their position over the festive period.
Post-match, McCall stepped in for press conference duty with boss Paul Heckingbottom serving the first of his three game touchline ban. The optimism and excitement around the club right now was put to the North End No.2
“Yes, I get that, I understand that,” said McCall. “And it's great, especially to get the backing we're getting at the moment. But a little bit of... what would I say the word is? Just simmer. Because, you know, I saw the same a few weeks ago with Stoke.
“And I think they've won today, Stoke, but they'd lost four out of their last five. They've gone from they’re going to win the league and then the fans are now, ‘Oh, not making play-offs.’ So, there will be ups and downs.
“It's just a little bit of calm and reassurance that we're doing our best. We will keep striving to win as many games as we possibly can. If we do have dips, that's when we need to stick together.
“And that's everybody, because there will be times where we don't win every game or enjoy every game. But yes, I don't want to dampen the enthusiasm because we are going well. We've got a good group of players.
“So yes, we keep looking up. If you lose a couple of games, that's when we need you more than ever and that will be my message. But enjoy it while we're going where we are, and we're aiming to keep improving.”
Christmas trip for PNE squad
After the early kick-off at the Kassam Stadium came to an end, Preston’s players headed away on their Christmas trip together. McCall hopes they enjoy some rare time away together as a group.
“Well, yes, we'll see if they're doing well, they all get back in one piece and they're in training on Tuesday,” said McCall. “So, yes, I think it's always a manager's concern when your team goes away! I think that goes for everyone.
“Harry Redknapp stopped doing it at Tottenham. He was like a Grinch, he wouldn't let anyone go out. But no, listen, go enjoy yourself - and I'm sure the staff might have a couple of shandies on Sunday as well.”