The Lilywhites finished last season in 13th place in the Championship, after a stunning run of form towards the end of the campaign that saw them win all of their final four matches.
Reflecting on his time at the helm so far club, which began with an interim role before landing the job on a permanent basis last week, McAvoy discussed the all important 1-1 draw with Norwich City back in April, and said: “Looking back it was a bit of bravado. I’ll always remember Brad Potts coming on as sub and scoring that equaliser late in stoppage time.
“There was bit of fortune with a deflection but was a massive turning point for us. When you make a change off the bench like that, you want it to have a positive impact. We carried that forward into the Swansea game and changed to a back three.”The Scotsman also referenced the 5-0 hammering against Brentford, and said: “Brentford was a big learning game for me, I acknowledge that.“I’d told the players to be a bit patient with what they were doing but I became impatient that day. I knew the third goal in that game was important and we were trying to score it. But sometimes when you are trying too hard it doesn’t come off for you.“It could probably be looked at as a good thing in some ways although it didn’t feel that way at the time.I wasn’t a 5-0 game but that is how it finished. It was a harsh lesson.”Here are today's biggest transfer stories and the latest team news involving Preston North End and the rest of the Championship, as the reaction to last season and the build-up to summer transfer window continues:
“There was bit of fortune with a deflection but was a massive turning point for us. When you make a change off the bench like that, you want it to have a positive impact. We carried that forward into the Swansea game and changed to a back three.”The Scotsman also referenced the 5-0 hammering against Brentford, and said: “Brentford was a big learning game for me, I acknowledge that.“I’d told the players to be a bit patient with what they were doing but I became impatient that day. I knew the third goal in that game was important and we were trying to score it. But sometimes when you are trying too hard it doesn’t come off for you.“It could probably be looked at as a good thing in some ways although it didn’t feel that way at the time.I wasn’t a 5-0 game but that is how it finished. It was a harsh lesson.”Here are today's biggest transfer stories and the latest team news involving Preston North End and the rest of the Championship, as the reaction to last season and the build-up to summer transfer window continues:
5. Cahill linked with Rooney's Rams
Derby County have been tipped to launch a move for Crystal Palace's veteran defender Gary Cahill, whose contract is nearing its expiry. He was a Champions League winner with Chelsea back in 2012. (The Athletic) Photo: JUSTIN TALLIS
6. Terriers look to snap up Lees
Huddersfield Town have been tipped to make a move for Sheffield Wednesday defender Tom Lees, once his contract with the Owls expires later this month. He's been with Wednesday since joining from Leeds United back in 2014. (The Sun) Photo: George Wood
7. Tykes boss ready for intense battle
Barnsley boss Valerien Ismael has claimed his side will need to rely on their on their "intensity and desire" in the play-offs, citing the "bigger budgets" boasted by the other three teams as giving them a distinct advantage over his team. (BBC Sport) Photo: Alex Livesey
8. Hatters ace in high demand
Middlesbrough, Bristol City and Cardiff have all been linked with Luton Town star James Collins. The Republic of Ireland international has scored 24 Championship goals over the past two seasons, and looks to be in high demand. (Daily Mail) Photo: Tony Marshall