Three key things Preston North End must look to add next season are already clear

For the second campaign in a row, it would take a complete disaster for PNE to slide into the relegation picture. Having done so in 2024/25, North End can take nothing for granted and need to some wins on the board, quickly. Assuming they are in the second tier next year, though, it’s already clear which areas of the squad require surgery.

Here, we take a look three key positions Preston will need to bolster.

The colossus

One major drop-off, since the turn of the year, has been in defence. After the draw at Millwall, back in November, Heckingbottom heaped praise on Jordan Storey, Liam Lindsay and Andrew Hughes for their contributions in a Preston shirt - the trio have amassed 745 appearances, combined. There will always be appreciation for the heart, commitment and endeavour they have shown while wearing the badge.

The triple contract extension, in the space of a few weeks mid-way through last season, did raise a few eyebrows though. This represented a chance for Preston to freshen things up at the back after a relegation scare, but the old guard were stuck by: 2028 for Storey, 2027 for Lindsay and 2026 for Hughes. Clearly, Heckingbottom valued their vast experience as a unit highly.

North End still added in defence, with Odel Offiah coming in from Brighton for a seven-figure sum - six months on from Lewis Gibson’s arrival for a reported £1.5m. New blood in defence still seems paramount for Preston, though. With the late goals conceded and set-piece frailties - both offensively and defensively - now looks the time to target a genuine presence in the back line.

It’s difficult for PNE to find the complete package, but a dominant figure who can shift would bring a lot to the table. Heckingbottom speaks so much about personality and the best centre-backs have that in abundance. North End have struggled getting over the line in games; when crosses are flying into the box it often feels a matter of time. A new general back there would be welcomed.

The number nine

Preston will be back on the striker search this summer, with Daniel Jebbison returning to AFC Bournemouth and Milos Lukovic to Strasbourg. Actually, you would be a brave man to bet on any of the centre-forwards still being at the club come next summer. If an offer came in for Milutin Osmajic, with one year left on his deal, it would be wise to entertain it. PNE trying to move on Michael Smith - also with 12 months to go - would not come as a huge surprise either.

But at least two will be needed, and Heckingbottom recently summed up two major things North End need from their nines: penalty box threat and reliable link-play. Jebbison runs channels for fun and Osmajic has impressive endurance, but none of Preston’s centre-forwards are a consistent focal point. Again, it will not be easy to find but the team needs mobility, durability and technical ability at the top end.

The artist

There are many supporters desperate to see Preston return to a back four and operate with wingers. Time will tell whether that process starts this summer but PNE wouldn’t just need one or two players; it would likely take a number of windows. Therefore, it is difficult to hang your hat on North End coming away from the wing-back system - as popular as that would be.

Regardless of formation, the PNE midfield has lost spark over the last couple of months. It will lose more when Alfie Devine goes back to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the season, albeit Andrew Moran brings creativity. Ben Whiteman has forward passes in his locker, while Ali McCann and Jordan Thompson boast battling qualities.

Finding someone of Harrison Armstrong’s quality is a ridiculously tough ask, but his ability to drive with the ball added so much to North End. Stefan Thordarson didn’t do it enough but had the ability to as well. And while Mads Frokjaer could frustrate, he was off-the-cuff and capable of providing something different.

As mentioned, midfield looks the most realistic area but whether it’s there, or on the flanks, greater flair and spark are the big things. Preston haven’t scored enough goals over the course of Heckingbottom’s tenure and will go nowhere unless they improve in that regard. If it’s going to change, the profile of players recruited will drive it.