Preston North End's Brad Potts has message for the fans

Potts hopes to reward them on the pitch after the Lilywhites’ faithful snapped up more than 11,000 season tickets at the start of the summer and there are initiatives to improve the atmosphere at Deepdale.

Hundreds are also set to travel to Spain for their pre-season friendly against Getafe next week.

The supporters will have four derbies to look forward to this season, with Blackpool, Blackburn, Burnley and opening-day opponents Wigan Athletic all in the Championship.

Potts has enjoyed a good record in derbies during his time at Deepdale and is hoping for more of the same this season.

The 28-year-old told the Lancashire Post: “You see it online and all the lads and the staff appreciate the fans coming to support us.

"All I can say is that if you look at a night like Blackpool, when it was sold out, it is like having a 12th man, it does push us on. The more we have in there can only be a good thing for us.

“It was a great night at Deepdale when we beat Blackpool, hopefully in next season's derbies we can do the same.

"It's good that we rise to the big occasion but the season is not going to be determined on us just winning derbies.

"We have to make sure that we're consistent and winning games every other week and picking up points every other week so we can challenge for the play-offs.”

North End have made four signings so far in the transfer window – Freddie Woodman, Dai Cornell, Ben Woodburn and Robbie Brady.

More are expected and Potts is looking forward to the club showing their ambitions.

"The gaffer said last season that we need some competition all over the pitch, if he feels he needs to bring another wing-back in, that's up to him,” he said.

“This is probably the first pre-season where you feel like the club are going to push and really want to challenge for the play-offs.

"As a player that's only a good thing because we're not happy just being 12th, 15th, in mid-table – we want to push on.

"That's why we're here, to try and achieve something great.”