HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

24 Sep 2020 16:27:55

December 2025 Review

Welcome to the review of December.

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Saturday 6 December 2025

We began December with a live outing at the University of Bolton Stadium, and it also marked the first of two away games which would be screened live on TV. Could we show the same performance that we did in our last live outing when we absolutely schooled my boyhood club Sunderland? Well it was a tough and tense local derby as you would expect it to be with neither side looking to give the other an upper hand. I made two changes from the side that overcame Ipswich in the last game, Connor Roberts came back in at right-back with Ezri Konsa moving to central defence as Ethan Ampadu was rested, whilst up front Reo Griffiths was given the chance to lead the line after his supersub appearance, Albanian Brian dropped to the bench to accommodate this.

We took the lead in the 18th minute when some superb vision from Swiss midfielder Remo Freuler saw him pick out Jack Harrison wide on the right; the winger brought the ball down with his right foot then as it dropped: arrowed an unstoppable effort into the top left hand corner with that magical left foot of his, it was Jack's 8th of the season. The Bolton keeper could only watch the ball sail past him , rooted to the spot indeed. They would equalise midway through the second half when Greenwood's cross produced a looping header into the net from Traoré. Then just as it looked we would cancel each other and it would be a draw, we scored the winner with just seven minutes to go. Albanian Brian, on as a substitute for the unimpressive Griffiths, was given so much room in the penalty area by the generous home defence to pick out an equally unmarked Freuler who volleyed home a precise finish for his first of the season.

Team: Beiranvand; Roberts, Koundé ©, Konsa, Cuevas; Vukcebic; Uribe, Freuler; Harrison, Musonda, Griffiths. Substitutes: Bächle (for Uribe 58), Ibrahimi (for Griffiths 69), Crompton (for Bächle 74), Ferguson, Jääskeläinen, Tipple, Watkins.
Goalscorers: Harrison (18), Freuler (83)
Man of the Match: Jack Harrison (Preston North End)
Attendance: 18,478 (1400 Preston)

https://i.postimg.cc/7LMrgVS6/PNEFC-202526-Game24.png

Saturday 13 December 2025

Seven days we were back in action in front of those TV cameras again for another derby, this time in pie country to face Wigan at the DW Stadium. The media were expecting the home side to give us a real test, but we produced a performance that left everyone associated with this old club purring with delight. The late Sir Tom Finney would have been made up as we tore the hosts to shreds with a comprehensive first half showing that was as damn perfect as it could be. The floodgates were open as early as the 7th minute when a Roberts cross was weakly headed out by Bailey to Ibrahimi who planted a volley into the far corner. Goal number ten of the season for the big Albanian. We added a second on the quarter hour, and it came after a corner was headed out to Ibrahimi who switched it out left to Musonda who cut inside before curling the ball beautifully into the corner beyond Cardelli. Four minutes later, it became 3-0 when Freuler scored his second in as many games with an arrowed finish which again left the home keeper floundered as it whizzed into the bottom corner.

Less than a minute later, we had a fourth. Musonda created it with a wonderfully weighted ball into Ibrahimi, whose run he spotted perfectly, and the striker took a touch before sliding it past the advancing keeper for his 11th of the season and 50th career league goal. We went in search of more and duly added the fifth before the half hour mark when Mateus Uribe thundered home a shot from outside the area for his third of the season. The sixth would come, yet we had to wait until the 83rd minute for it, by which time most of the home fans had seen enough. A corner found its way to Uribe who volleyed in his second of the game and 4th of the season, causing our fans to start singing "Jingle Bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way. Oh what fun it is to see Preston win away!" and some to even do an impromptu conga in the away end. Wigan did score a consolation in the final throes when Sissako headed in from a corner kick routine but by that time the damage was done and we took home a very important three points back across the East Lancs Road.

Team: Beiranvand; Roberts, Koundé ©, Konsa, Cuevas; Ronaldo Vieira; Uribe, Freuler; Harrison, Musonda; Ibrahimi. Substitutes: Palmer (for Freuler 58), Watkins (for Musonda 71), Crompton (for Koundé 77), Jääskeläinen, Griffiths, Ferguson, Tipple.
Goalscorers: Ibrahimi (7, 20), Musonda (15), Freuler (19), Uribe (29, 83)
Man of the Match: Brijan Ibrahimi (Preston North End)
Attendance: 23,280 (5412 Preston)

https://i.postimg.cc/wTSCZPVM/PNEFC-202526-Game25.png

Saturday 20 December 2025

Our first home game in December was the last one before Christmas, and we were in no mood to play Santa to our visitors from Stoke as all our eyes were on the three points again. They had been thumped 7-0 in midweek by Liverpool in a Carabao Cup quarter final. and were really hurting not that we actually cared. The opening goal of the game came in the 26th minute and once more, Harrison was the architect with a free-kick into the danger area and Musonda stooped to head in his 5th of the season from just outside the six yard box. The Belgian would have his game cut short though as a thigh niggle meant we had to substitute before half time as a precaution, Ollie Watkins coming on as a like for like replacement. And was he who scored the second in the 41st minute with probably his first touch, a poachers finish from a well flighted free-kick by Cristiàn Cuevas.

We added our third four minutes into the second half, a swift counter attack saw Harrison rattle the crossbar with a fierce volley but rebound out to Ibrahimi who tucked away goal number 12 of the campaign for the striker. We had to endure a nervy finish though as Stoke scored twice in time added on through their Spanish striker Santi Mina who once played in La Liga for Valencia, but we held on and made it three from time in December. A very nice pre-Christmas present for all Lilywhites fans alike.

Team: Beiranvand; Konsa, Koundé ©,, Ampadu, Cuevas; Ronaldo Vieira; Uribe, Vukcevic; Harrison, Musonda; Ibrahimi. Substitutes: Watkins (for Musonda 38), Freuler (for Uribe 63), Crompton (for Ampadu 80), Jääskeläinen, Griffiths, Ferguson, Tipple.
Goalscorers: Musonda (26), Watkins (41), Ibrahimi (49)
Man of the Match: Santi Mina (Stoke City)
Attendance: 17,550 (1041 away)

https://i.postimg.cc/s2ztDhbR/PNEFC-202526-Game26.png

Friday 26 December 2025

Our Boxing Day game this season would be a trip down the M6 to face Birmingham City at St Andrews or as it is known for sponsorship reasons: the Trillion Trophy Stadium at St Andrews. Jasper Carrott wasn't in residence which was a shame, as I've always been a fan of the comedian. We opened the scoring in the 19th minute, Cuevas standing up a cross to the near post and Ibrahimi rose highest to head in his 13th of the season. Early in the second half we scored the second and what proved to be the game winner too, and what another amazing goal it was. Uribe fed the ball towards Musonda (fully recovered from his thigh niggle six days previous) and the Belgian turned and unleashed a shot that flew into Dahlberg's top corner with the Swedish goalkeeper nowhere near it.

Cardiff City loanee Joe Ralls headed in with eight minutes to go to give his side hope, but that was all it was, hope. We rode out the onslaught and recorded another win as this promotion train keeps a rolling a long unabated and towards the promised land of the Premier League.

Team: Beiranvand; Roberts, Koundé ©, Ampadu, Cuevas; Ronaldo Vieira; Uribe, Vukcevic; Harrison, Musonda, Ibrahimi. Substitutes: Freuler (for Vukcevic 63), Griffiths (for Ibrahimi 73), Crompton, Jääskeläinen, Konsa, Tipple, Watkins.
Goalscorers: Ibrahimi (19), Musonda (51)
Booked: Koundé (26)
Man of the Match: Charly Musonda (Preston North End)
Attendance: 22,221 (1156 Preston)

https://i.postimg.cc/7hjRvGSd/PNEFC-202526-Game27.png

Sunday 28 December 2025

So could we finish the twelfth month of the year with another win and move a step closer to the Premier League? Well, we produced a polished performance that had champions etched all over it as we recorded our 21st win in 27 league games this season which is remarkable. The opening goal came midway through the first half when Nikola Vukcevic found Harrison in a pocket of space around the penalty spot and the inside forward struck a shot which hit the bar then the post before nestling in the back of the net: it was his 9th of the season. Harrison created the second which came just eight minutes later. a corner flighted to perfection onto the head of Uribe who headed home his 5th of the season at the near post. The Colombian has really taken his chance in the team when he asked for a run, and his purple patch continued with our third goal and his sixth of the campaign in the 48th minute. A patient build up saw Vukcevic tee up Uribe who took a touch then blasted a howitzer that rocketed into the top left hand corner of the net. Sensational stuff indeed.

That was the scoring done with, and with Portsmouth not looking like they would score all day, I took the chance to substitute some players such as Uribe (even though he was on a hat-trick), Koundé and Cuevas early as we've still got a lot of football to play in the second half of the season.

Team: Beiranvand; Roberts, Koundé ©, Ampadu, Cuevas; Ronaldo Vieira, Uribe, Vukcevic; Harrison, Musonda; Ibrahimi. Substitutes: Tipple (for Cuevas 49), Konsa (for Kounde 67), Freuler (for Uribe 67), Crompton, Jääskeläinen, Ferguson, Watkins.
Goalscorers: Harrison (23), Uribe (31, 48)
Booked: Ibrahimi (75)
Man of the Match: Mateus Uribe (Preston North End)
Attendance: 18,395 (1041 away)

The league standings at the end of 2025 reads as follows:

https://i.postimg.cc/Gpb511sL/PNEFC-Table-End-Dec2025.png

Analysis:

A second successive 100 per cent of a month, and we've extended our advantage at the top of the table. We started it with a nine point lead, and go into the New Year with an astonishing 18 points lead over second placed Blackburn Rovers. Bar the odd player needing a rest from time to time, we've got a rather settled line up starting now which means players such as Ollie Watkins and Reo Griffiths can't force their way into the starting eleven. Albainan Brian is leading the line superbly, and in Musonda and Harrison we have two excellent wingers whom we have tied down to longer contracts to keep them here for a while.

There's now the opening of the second transfer window which to be honest, I'm worried about a lot. With the players playing so well, I have a feeling that some of them are going to be targets for bigger clubs but if we can come out of this window with an unchanged squad then we'll be delighted. It's the consequence of being in form and on the verges of an instant return to the Premier League for some of us. Time to kick on and get ourselves over the line, not that we are going to relax. There's plenty of football to be played, we can make it happen.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

20 Sep 2020 11:44:07

This is some story mate, it's one that I've aspired to be as good as with mine.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

19 Sep 2020 14:53:35

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Third Round Draw made

https://i.postimg.cc/fyYRHW5z/FACup2023.jpg

1 December 2025

We today found our opponents in the Third Round of this season's Emirates FA Cup.

The draw was made live on the BBC's "The One Show" by former England internationalists Frank Lampard and Micah Richards.

Preston were drawn at home to League One side Rochdale at this stage, with the Dale having seen off Darlington and Burton Albion to make it this far. This tie will be played at Deepdale on Saturday 3 January 2026 at a 3:00pm kick off time. In other ties, League One side Rotherham United were rewarded with a visit from Manchester United, Cup holders Chelsea travel across London to face Brentford and there are testing ties for Liverpool and Manchester City against Nottingham Forest and West Bromwich Albion respectively.

Tickets for the Dale game will be on sale very shortly.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

18 Sep 2020 23:44:39

2025-26: December Preview

https://i.postimg.cc/ZKvmCF01/PNEFC-Dec2025-Fixtures.png

So 2025 concludes with another five game span.

Having obviously impressed in our last TV outing, a 4-0 rout of my boyhood club Sunderland, the wonderful people have decided to reward the league leaders (us) with a couple more TV outings in December. Both are away from home, and both are local derbies in a sense. We begin December with a trip over to the University of Bolton Stadium as it is now known to face the Whites. They're just above the drop zone at the time we face them which is where the pre-season predictions had them to be in. In the 90s I actually lived in Bolton for a couple of years, and used to go watch them at the old Burnden Park stadium complete with the Normid supermarket behind one goal so I could maintain my love of watching the game. Local pride is at stake again.

The week after and we're on the road again (cue the song by Canned Heat) and another short journey to another local rival for another live TV outing. Our destination this time is the DW Stadium in Wigan, to face the Latics. Goals in each half from Ollie Watkins and a penalty from Albanian Brian proved to be decisive on opening day as we started the season with three points on the board against our opponents. They will be looking for a bit of revenge for sure but we'll be hoping that we can start the second half of the campaign in the same way as we started the first. Another case of local pride being a stake with bragging rights hoping to be retained by us.

The first home game in December comes the Saturday before Christmas when Stoke come visiting. For a side that was expected to take the title, the Potters have massively underachieved. This underachievement saw them sack Dutchman Klaas-Jan Huntelaar after only 150 days (well they decided to overlook me so their loss has certainly been Preston's gain) and splash a hefty compensation fee out to Middlesbrough to attract Spaniard Vitolo there. The squad they have should not be in 16th place as December starts, they should be at least in the play off mix. We'll be hoping to add to our 2-1 win there and heap more misery whilst boosting our own promotion campaign.

Boxing Day, and a trip down to Jasper Carrott land to face the Blues at the Trillion Trophy Stadium at St Andrews. Not sure that Jasper will be there to give his side his support but if he is then I'll try and grab a few words with one of my comedy heroes post game. The game at Deepdale was an incredible one which saw us take the honours 5-3 with Ethan Ampadu scoring his only goal of the season through a stupendous curling free-kick that didn't even get a mention in the Goal of the Month awards. They have the division's current top scorer in their ranks, but concede as much as they do actually score. We'll be hoping to add more notches on that goals conceded column for sure.

The year ends with Portsmouth making a lengthy trip north to Deepdale for our reverse game against them. Like Birmingham the game before, we overcame them 5-3 in the first game between the two sides. The scoreline in my eyes didn't really tell the true story as we were 4-0 up at one stage and it seemed like we were going to run up a cricket score. But in that opening month, we were leaking goals a lot which is something I am pleased to see that has been tightened up despite the back four being freshened to avoid players being tired. We will have played 27 league games by the time this one concludes and if we can keep up the form then I'll be hugely delighted.

Promotion is our target as a club, but winning the title will be a nice addition and continue the sequence of me winning at least one trophy at every club I've been at. Let's make something happen!

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

13 Sep 2020 17:44:42

November 2025 Award Winners

After the game reviews, now to see who won on the latest awards.

Manager of the Month:

https://i.postimg.cc/tCC9HRmJ/SBCH-MOTM-Nov2025.png

A second Championship Manager of the Month for yours truly. Another accolade to add to my reputation which is obviously going to improve further if I can keep this up.

Player of the Month:

https://i.postimg.cc/G2C1gbyc/SBCH-POTM-Nov2025.png

Experienced campaigner plying his trade at the Villa. Albanian Brian, as we call Brijan, finished third in this vote despite having scored more goals than the winner and second placed as well as having a better average rating than them as well. Something not right about that...

Young Player of the Month:

https://i.postimg.cc/dVZPqhRs/SBCH-YPOTM-Nov2025.png

Who is this kid? Can't recall him from our game either....that's because he wasn't playing haha!

Goal of the Month:

https://i.postimg.cc/d1vzmnb3/SBCH-GOTM-Nov2025.png

And this month's Villa love fest continues with the goal of the month award heading its way to B6 as well...The winner's name? Oh yeah, Adrian Funes and he's Spanish...an unused substitute when we drew 2-2 with his side.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

13 Sep 2020 16:32:07

November 2025 Review

Welcome to the review of November's games.

https://i.postimg.cc/sgXdbB8D/PNEFC-202526-Game18.png

Saturday 1 November 2025

We knew it was going to be tough against the 'Boro for sure as they came into this fixture with the best defensive record in the division; just nine conceded in 16 games. However, they went back to Teesside with three more goals to add on those nine and zero points. Three goals in the final 25 minutes would do the trick for us as we racked up another win, it's all about keeping plugging away until the dam breaks and that's what it did. The opener came in the 65th minute, when a sweeping move saw Andrew Ferguson (deputising superbly for the injured Jack Harrison) crossed wonderfully for Brijan Ibrahimi to plant a header beyond the reach of Connor Ripley in the 'Boro net. Breakthrough! Then we added two more in the final seven minutes to make it look comprehensive...

In the 83rd minute we put a bit of daylight between ourselves and the visitors with a second goal. Ibrahimi weighted a pass into substitute Moise Kean who took a touch before drilling in his eighth of the season with a confident finish. It ended a goal drought for the Italian. Then the gloss appeared as the fourth official signalled four minutes on their board. Once more Ferguson supplied the assist with a beautiful cut back into the path of Ibrahimi who steered a low shot into the far corner for his sixth of the season.

Team: Beiranvand; Roberts, Koundé ©, Ampadu, Cuevas; Ronaldo Vieira; Palmer, Vukcevic; Ferguson, Musonda; Ibrahimi. Substitutes: Tipple (for Cuevas HT), Bächle (for Palmer 54), Kean (for Musonda 69), Crompton, Jääskeläinen, Konsa, Griffiths.
Goalscorers: Ibrahimi (65, 90), Kean (83)
Man of the Match: Brijan Ibrahimi (Preston North End)
Attendance: 17,646 (1041 away)

https://i.postimg.cc/vZNFyYF7/PNEFC-202526-Game19.png

Saturday 8 November 2025

Aston Villa away, and a tough place to come away with something. I joked before the game that I would take a point from our trip to the Second City, but to get that feels like a win in my books. I opted to give both Connor Roberts, Cristiàn Cuevas and Nikola Vukcevic a rest for this game as they have been playing a lot of football recently, and give a chance in midfield for Mateus Uribe to shine again after he asked for a few starts. Normally I'm reluctant to do so but football is becoming more and more a squad game these days so if you've got options to keep things fresh then all is good right? We opened the scoring after nine minutes when Charly Musonda produced a sweet ball into Ibrahimi who brought it down with one touch and then smashed it into the net with his next. Goal number seven of the season for the Albanian.

Yet Villa would go into the interval 2-1 ahead thanks to strikes from former Juve youngster Elia Petrelli and on the stroke of half time, Chay Cooper. Words were said at the break and the team came out with a positive response. We would equalise in the 63rd minute with a cross from Musonda found its way to Ferguson totally unmarked at the far post with no player in claret and blue near him and he had the simple task of putting the ball into an open goal for his first ever goal for the team. A truly special moment for the former Doncaster and Norwich winger. Neither side could break through after that and we ended up shaking hands on a draw.

Team: Beiranvand; Konsa, Koundé ©, Ampadu, Tipple; Ronaldo Vieira, Uribe, Palmer; Ferguson, Musonda; Ibrahimi. Substitutes: Bächle (for Palmer 59), Kean (for Musonda 67), Crompton (for Ampadu 75), Cuevas, Jääskeläinen, Cain, Griffiths.
Goalscorers: Ibrahimi (9), Ferguson (63)
Booked: Uribe (59), Konsa (73)
Man of the Match: Chay Cooper (Aston Villa)
Attendance: 29,431 (1778 Preston)

We would have a behind closed doors bounce game against the Under 18s in the international break. I saw this as an ideal opportunity for players like Harrison, Ollie Watkins and Remo Freuler to get some valuable game time after their respective injuries. Predictably the senior (actually it had hardly any first team regulars in it) squad won, 6-1 the final score. Watkins and Reo Grifiiths both bagged braces whilst there was one each for Freuler and Jonas Bächle. Young winger Ed Finch scored for the Under 18s and I'm sure they enjoyed the kickabout with some of the main squad members.

https://i.postimg.cc/R0kk3g0N/PNEFC-202526-Game20.png

Saturday 22 November 2025

It was back to business after the international break which saw Musonda score his maiden international goals for Les Diables Rouges. Going into it, QPR were our nearest challengers and arrived wearing a bright pink kit which looked a strain on the eyes. Yet when you're playing with confidence, you become a bit of a steamroller and that's how this game turned out. We opened the scoring in the 14th minute when a corner from Musonda reached skipper Jules Koundé and the skipper poked home his fourth of the season at the second attempt after hitting the post initially. Seconds later we had our second, and it came in freaky circumstances when Brownhill's risky pass went straight to Ibrahimi who shot against the post only to see it strike the heels of our former keeper Declan Rudd and roll over the line.

The game was as good as over in the 28th minute as we notched our third, Uribe with a pass into Musonda who hammered it first time into the top corner for his second of the season at club level. Goal number four came just after the hour, and it was another goal this month for Ibrahimi: his eighth of the season. We had only re-introduced Harrison as a substitute a shade over seven minutes earlier when he produced another delightful cross with that wand of a left foot and the striker headed in with all the hallmarks of a man in form. Gary Eckersley pulled one back as a consolation with eight minutes to go but that was it for them, another three points in the bank for us.

Team: Beiranvand; Roberts, Koundé ©, Ampadu, Cuevas; Ronaldo Vieira, Vukcevic, Uribe; Ferguson, Musonda; Ibrahimi. Substitutes: Harrison (for Ferguson 53), Kean (for Ibrahimi 65), Watkins (for Musonda 68), Compton, Jääskeläinen, Konsa, Bächle.
Goalscorers: Koundé (14), Rudd (og 15), Musonda (28), Ibrahimi (61)
Man of the Match: Charly Musonda (Preston North End)
Attendance: 16,895 (477 away)

https://i.postimg.cc/26nPnnqT/PNEFC-202526-Game21.png

Tuesday 25 November 2025

Our only midweek game in November saw us head to SE7 to face struggling Charlton at the Valley, and once more I chose to ring a few changes to keep some players fresh. The game saw Will Jääskeläinen make his début for the Club as Alireza Beiranvand was given the night off. Kean was given a start to lead the line with Ibrahimi rested but on the bench and the Italian opened the scoring in the eighth minute when he played a 1-2 with Cuevas before fooling the home defence with a faked pass then lashing his ninth (should be more) of the season into the roof of the net. Alas his night ended in the 32nd minute when he couldn't carry on after twisting his ankle which meant Ibrahimi had to come on despite my plan to not try and use him. A swift counter attack in first half injury time saw us bag a second as the rain continued to fall, Nikola Vukcevic steering a shot into the bottom corner.

We wrapped up the game with our third in the 51st minute. Charlton couldn't get the ball out of their own half as we ramped up the pressure which culminated in Ibrahimi drilling home a low shot from the edge of the area for his fifth goal of the month and ninth of the season. Banana skin avoided well and truly.

Team: Jääskeläinen; Roberts, Koundé ©, Konsa, Cuevas; Ronaldo Vieira, Vukcevic, Uribe; Harrison, Watkins; Kean. Substitutes: Ibrahimi (for Kean 32), Bächle (for Vukcevic 53), Crompton (for Roberts 67), Tipple, Beiranvand, Ferguson, Musonda.
Goalscorers: Kean (8), Vukcevic (45+1), Ibrahimi (51)
Man of the Match: Cristiàn Cuevas (Preston North End)
Attendance: 14,513 (621 Preston)

https://i.postimg.cc/PJ49RhQw/PNEFC-202526-Game22.png

Saturday 29 November 2025

Sometimes you need to produce a magical substitution sometime to tilt the game in your favour and that's exactly what I did as we finished the month with yet another win. The game looked like being a frustrating draw as I made a double change with nineteen minutes to go, Griffiths being one of those changes for an off form Ibrahimi. Within four minutes of his introduction, the striker had broken the deadlock.

It began when fellow substitute Martin Crompton angled a ball left to Musonda and from the Belgian's low centre, Griffiths slid in and poached home from six yards out. We had broken the Tractor Boys resistance and eight minutes scored a second which completely deflated them. Cuevas brought the ball out of defence and saw Griffiths making a run forward, he picked up the left-back's pass, charged into the area before striking a stupendous effort over the stranded Bentley and into the top corner. What an impact and what a way to win the game for us.

Team: Beiranvand; Konsa, Koundé ©, Ampadu, Cuevas; Vukcevic, Uribe, Freuler; Harrison, Musonda; Ibrahimi. Substitutes: Crompton (for Vukcevic 62), Griffiths (for Ibrahimi 71), Bächle (for Uribe 71), Tipple, Jääskeläinen, Ferguson, Watkins.
Goalscorer: Griffiths (75, 83)
Man of the Match: Reo Griffiths (Preston North End)
Attendance: 17,096 (880 away)

The league standings at November's end read as follows:

https://i.postimg.cc/tJM7W0nh/PNEFC-Table-End-Nov2025.png

Analysis:

An unbeaten month again with only the draw at Villa Park preventing a clean sweep. With teams around us failing to do the same, we've actually gone on and extended our lead at the top of the table. This is really something else and unless complacency really does kick or we have a massive injury crisis then it's looking absolutely great for us. I can see the bright lights of trips to Old Trafford, the Etihad and Anfield already. But there's still a lot of football to be played before the champagne corks can start to be popped.

My main worry is that because we are playing so well, January might prove to be a killer month for us. If we can come out of that month in one piece and all as one then perhaps those fears will be allayed somewhat. Nine points clear and with the goal difference being so significant, it's a great position to be in. The feelgood factor is something else, long may this continue right?

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

11 Sep 2020 23:16:11

Really surprised personally that you haven't spent anything on a top end goalie. If I'm able to get Preston promoted in my save then I've made it one of my priorities.

A wee bit of luck somewhere and you can definitely improve on last season's 14th placed finish, am convinced on that.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

11 Sep 2020 20:33:11

By Tarrantino | On 11 September 2020 - 12:42 PM UTC

Where's the next update? I've been patiently waiting!

Just been busy with work mate. Hoping to have something soon....
Thanks though for continuing to follow the story.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

05 Sep 2020 22:36:26

2025-26: November Preview

https://i.postimg.cc/9QYsGRwL/PNEFC-Nov2025-Fixtures.png

Can't believe that we will have played 22 league games by the time November is completed, that's almost half of the campaign dealt with.

Well we start off November with a home visit from the 'Boro. Middlesbrough started off well but seem to have to tailed off a little bit to be honest. They're just outside the play off spots at the moment and have only lost twice in the campaign. That said, they are a little bit dry on goals with just 18 goals scored in 16 games. On the flip side, they have only conceded 9 in the same amount of games. That itself is a stat to be proud of as it's the meanest defence in the actual division. With us being the division's top scorers with 41 then it promises to be a bit of an interesting encounter.

Following the Middlesbrough game, we go down the M6 to face the Villa. They've surprised me personally as they're mid-table when I was half expecting them to be challenging us for promotion and the title. They're a club that's steeped in history and in 1982 surprised Bayern Munich with a 1-0 European Cup Final (as it was known then) win and it seems ages since that. Villa have had a bit of topsy turvy time since then and a 17th place finish in 2023-24 has been their lowest finish ever. A fallen giant indeed.

We get another international break, the third one this season already, after the Villa game with our players jetting off here, there and everywhere to feature for their respective nations. Hopefully all will come back injury free to resume our promotion and ideally, title challenge. The first game after the break is another huge one as we entertain Queens Park Rangers here at Deepdale, They're this season's surprise packet so far considering they finished 21st last campaign and only survived by three points. They have goals in them from all parts, a bit like ourselves, but midfielder Eberechi Eze will be a big miss for them as he tops their scoring charts with nine in 14 games and is out injured for the next two months or so. Let's hope he's not made a miraculous recovery by the time this game comes around...

Our only midweek game in this spell means a trip to South East London and the Valley to face Charlton Athletic. They could be a banana skin for us indeed as they're struggling in the wrong half of the table again, and you know what might happen when an in form team faces a team in reverse? Yup, you got it: the team that's struggling wins. We need to treat them with due respect, not that we wouldn't anyway, and produce a performance that is that of a team that wants to have an immediate return back to the Premier League.

The final game in November is another home match, and again against a name with a historical past. Making the trip north are Ipswich Town and they had such great times when I was younger under the late Bobby Robson who despite being a Geordie, was one of the best managers that England has had at club and national level. In Louie Taylor and Karlan Grant, the Tractor Boys have a strike force that has bagged 14 goals between them at the time of writing so we will need to be on our guard to keep them quiet. Like Villa, they are definitely a fallen giant looking to find their way back into the promised land of the Premier League. However, like all opponents, there's no room for sentiment.

If we can come out of this latest spell and stay where we are at the moment, keeping that gap wide enough so nobody can overtake us then all is good right? Well, that's the objective anyway haha.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

05 Sep 2020 22:15:42

October 2025 Award Winners

After the game reviews, now to see who won on the latest awards.

Manager of the Month:

https://i.postimg.cc/Kzrc6v1j/SBCH-MOTM-Oct2025.png

Another different winner this month. Think if I had taken full points at Forest then I might have been in with a shout but hey ho.

Player of the Month:

https://i.postimg.cc/j2xqt0fX/SBCH-POTM-Oct2025.png

Brother plays for Watford in the Premier League, and to be honest he wasn't that brilliant when we won at Ashton Gate. In fact he was a fault for our winning goal! Dodgy barnet it has to be said.

Young Player of the Month:

https://i.postimg.cc/MH96GPb8/SBCH-YPOTM-Oct2025.png

Is he related to Royston Vasey, aka Chubby Brown?

Goal of the Month:

https://i.postimg.cc/HWzs3nGP/SBCH-GOTM-Oct2025.png

The winner this time was Nir Bitton of Bristol City who produced a curling long range effort. Yes, the very same former Celtic player Nir Bitton, and like his team mate who won Player of the Month: he was pretty much anonymous in our win at Ashton Gate.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

05 Sep 2020 19:37:00

October 2025 Review

Welcome to the review of October games.

https://i.postimg.cc/tg4JzkLm/PNEFC-202526-Game13.png

Friday 3 October 2025

Our first game in October was a live game in Berkshire to face Reading, and to be honest we produced probably the most insipid league performance this season in front of those cameras. We chose to rest regular right-back Connor Roberts as he has played a lot of games in succession and needed to be fresh for the upcoming internationals whilst Nikola Vukcevic replaced the injured Remo Freuler. Chances did get created but we just could not hit the net, for example in the 10th minute a long range effort from Jack Harrison was parried by the home keeper and all that Brijan Ibrahimi had to do was to put away the rebound for 1-0. What does he do? Yeah, shoots straight at the keeper. Should have been a goal. Moise Kean had a header saved ,Harrison went close. One of those nights...

Reading obviously knew then they could get something from the game ans scored the only goal three minutes from half time whem Billy Gilmour's pass was brought down by Jack Marriott and with his next touch; blasted the ball home. So it went proved to unlucky 13 for us as we slipped to our first league loss of the campaign, and squandering a chance to extend the advantage at the top.

Team: Beiranvand; Konsa, Koundé ©, Ampadu, Cuevas; Ronaldo Vieira; Palmer, Vukcevic; Harrison, Kean; Ibrahimi. Substitutes: Tipple (for Cuevas HT), Uribe (for Palmer 61), Griffiths (for Kean 71), Roberts, Jääskeläinen, Bächle, Cain.
Goalscorers: None
Man of the Match: Jack Marriott (Reading)
Attendance: 15,767 (717 Preston)

https://i.postimg.cc/nVy2rR5x/PNEFC-202526-Game14.png

Friday 17 October 2025

After the international break, we were back in action and with another live match. Unlike at Reading, we actually showed up and took my boyhood team apart to shreds with midfielder Kasey Palmer stealing all the headlines. Sunderland have the leakiest defence in the division and boy did it show, and if they manage to stay up then it'll be a miracle of some kind. The biggest surprise was that it took us 34 minutes to actually open the scoring. It came about when Cristiàn Cuevas was tripped in the area by Brewitt, Palmer assumed responsibility from twelve yards and dispatched it into the roof of the net with the keeper going the wrong way. Six minutes later and both the team and the midfielder had a second to celebrate, some patient play saw Andrew Ferguson (on early for Charly Musonda who had picked up a wee niggle in his first start of the season) feed Palmer and he finished again with confidence.

In the 58th minute we scored a third and a hat trick for the former Chelsea starlet. Ferguson was clattered in the area by Blackett and the referee was left with no option to point to the spot once more. With nerves of steel, Palmer erred the effort right into the bottom left hand corner and wheel away with celebration. It was his sixth of the season. The rout was complete in the 78th minute when a fierce drive from the hat-trick man was parried out to Ferguson by Lumley only for the unfortunate keeper to then push the winger's effort into his own goal. One way to bounce back from your first league loss of the season, eh?

Team: Beiranvand; Roberts, Koundé ©, Konsa, Cuevas; Ronaldo Vieira, Vukcevic, Palmer; Harrison, Musonda; Kean. Substitutes: Ferguson (for Musonda 39), Tipple (for Harrison 66), Griffiths (for Kean 75), Crompton, Jääskeläinen, Uribe, Bächle.
Goalscorers: Palmer (pen 34, 40, pen 58), Lumley (og 78)
Booked: Konsa (71)
Man of the Match: Kasey Palmer (Preston North End)
Attendance: 16,270 (2016 Away)

https://i.postimg.cc/8CcMtM3w/PNEFC-202526-Game15.png

Tuesday 21 October 2025

If you are going to be promoted, sometimes you have to grind out a win from time to time and that's what we had to do in Bristol. As he was on a drought in front of goal, I decided to drop Kean and give Ibrahimi another start up front to find out if I have an recognised fox in the box up top. We also continued to keep Ethan Ampadu out of the starting eleven to try and keep him fresh as he has also played a lot of minutes this season and we're only in October. One goal decided this game, and thankfully it came our way in the 54th minute. After some sustained pressure, the ball landed at the feet of Ibrahimi who cracked it home from ten yards out for his fourth of the season. City tried to poach an equaliser but we were in no mood and the almost 800 away fans went back north celebrating yet another three points in the bag. Happy days!

Team: Beiranvand; Roberts, Koundé ©, Konsa, Cuevas; Ronaldo Vieira, Vukcevic, Palmer; Harrison, Musonda; Ibrahimi. Substitutes: Ferguson (for Harrison 72), Bächle (for Ronaldo Vieira 77), Ampadu (for Ibrahimi 89), Compton, Jääskeläinen, Tipple, Kean.
Goalscorer: Ibrahimi (54)
Booked: Cuevas (90)
Man of the Match: Connor Roberts (Preston North End)
Attendance: 17,447 (796 Preston)

https://i.postimg.cc/QNcDHPtk/PNEFC-202526-Game16.png

Saturday 25 October 2025

Could we make it three wins on the spin when the Terriers came to town on the Saturday? Well we made the perfect start with a goal inside just two minutes thanks to Harrison and his seventh goal this season. This was a well struck volley that gave the visiting custodian no chance whatsoever, and had our fans jumping with delight. The winger created the second goal which came in the 27th minute, It was his flighted free-kick which found skipper Jules Koundé and his header went into the net off the underside of the bar. The Terriers certainly had a bit of bite about them, understandably so in a Roses battle, and pulled one back with six minutes to go when Simon Ford netted. But we held on for another three huge points and ensured those visitors went back over the Pennines with their tails between their legs, as well as seeing their fans leave barking mad at their team's performance.

Team: Beiranvand; Cain, Koundé ©, Konsa, Cuevas; Ronaldo Vieira, Vukcevic, Palmer; Harrison, Musonda; Ibrahimi. Substitutes: Crompton (for Cain HT), Ferguson (for Musonda 65), Kean (for Ibrahimi 76), Tipple, Jääskeläinen, Bächle, Griffiths.
Goalscorers: Harrison (2), Koundé (27)
Booked: Ferguson (83)
Man of the Match: Jack Harrison (Preston North End)
Attendance: 20,317 (1041 Away)

https://i.postimg.cc/PrhjZ4vG/PNEFC-202526-Game17.png

Wednesday 29 October 2025

We concluded the month with a trip to Nottingham to try and fell the Forest, and to be honest: I was going to be happy before the game with a point. We came out with a point so you could say that we achieved my objective then. It didn't begin as intended though as we were caught dozing at a free-kick inside three minutes and Florentino Dorado was left unmarked at the far post to beat Alireza Beiranvand with ease. Our hopes took an apparent nosedive in the 63th minute when Harrison limped off with pulled ankle ligaments, an injury that is going to keep him out for a couple of weeks minimum. However, we got an equaliser with a quarter of an hour left when Vukcevic found Musonda who quickly switched the ball from right foot to left and then lashed an unstoppable effort into the roof of the net that beat the home keeper at his near post. It was the Belgian internationalist's first of the season.

Team: Beiranvand; Roberts, Koundé ©, Konsa, Cuevas; Ronaldo Vieira, Palmer; Harrison, Bächle, Musonda; Ibrahimi. Substitutes: Ferguson (for Harrison 63), Vukcevic (for Palmer 66), Crompton (for Ronaldo Vieira 80), Tipple, Jääskeläinen, Kean, Griffiths.
Goalscorer: Musonda (75)
Man of the Match: Florentino Dorado (Nottingham Forest)
Attendance: 24,681 (1156 Preston)

The league standings at the end of October reads as follows:

https://i.postimg.cc/gkDPKZ3x/PNEFC-Table-End-Oct2025.png

Analysis:

So we finally managed to lose a league game but we bounced back though such is the measure of this team. Even if one player has an off day, there are others that will step up and perform. We're going to miss the creative force that is Jack Harrison but we have strength in depth to deal with such matters. I'm worried though that Moise Kean is not being as proflific as he should be in this division, he really should be in double figures already by the now. Also slightly concerning is that Connor Roberts is already one match away from a suspension and we're just finishing October. As club vice-captain I wasn't expecting this.

Talking about strength in depth, I'm debating about giving Jääskeläinen a bit of a run in between the sticks. Beiranvand is a good number one at this level but he needs a challenge and maybe Jääskeläinen can provide that with a few games. The Finn has been a low budget buy, not as if we have spent big bucks on him, but if we do go up this season then the purchase of a quality keeper is going to be on my shopping list. If we can keep at it as it is then all is looking good

One league loss in 17 isn't not bad is it?

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

05 Sep 2020 14:35:31

Well done on securing survival, next target top half finish?

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

31 Aug 2020 19:28:58

2025-26: October Preview

https://i.postimg.cc/jSjbZbYH/PNEFC-Oct2025-Fixtures.png

Another five game spell to take us into November, and 17 league games played.

It's a quick turnaround after the local derby against Blackburn Rovers as we travel to Reading on a rare Friday night game. The game was supposed to be on the Saturday but Sky have decided to screen the game live, so the nation can see first hand what we are planning here. I've had a rather decent record when it comes to live games, in fact I never ever lost when I was in charge of Le Mans and when their games were screened live. Hopefully we can put on a good showing and extend our advantage at the top before Leeds play a day later.

There's another international break after this. Back in the day, there was no such thing as this. However, it's a good chance for some of our injured bodies to recover further. I did think about playing a bounce game against the Reserves but decided against it in the end. The first game back after that international break is a home game against my boyhood team, Sunderland. Before getting the Preston job, I applied for the Sunderland job not once but twice but both times didn't ever get an interview. Perhaps this will be the right time to show them what they missed out. They're a big club who should be in the Premier League but for one reason or another: have fallen on hard times.

After Sunderland's visit here to Deepdale, it's a long old trek to the West Country to face Bristol City at Ashton Gate. They will be a real test of our credentials for an immediate return for sure as they're always there or thereabouts in the promotion mix every season. However, they always seem to fall short when it comes down to the crunch. If we can go there and take at least a point then I'll be more than pleased for sure.

We play our penultimate game in October at home to Huddersfield Town. Veton Berisha is on loan to them so as part of the loan agreement, he will not be allowed to face us. The Terriers will definitely have some bite about them and like Leeds, promises to be a rip roaring War of the Roses encounter. The month concludes with an away trip to the East Midlands to face Nottingham Forest. another historical name from the past. The name Brian Clough comes to mind, right? We can expect another tough encounter indeed, and hope to chop those Tricky Trees down to size.

All five games are winnable and if we can remain unbeaten after this then perhaps talk about the P word can be on the menu. But as always, we're taking each game as it comes and as we call it: a Cup Final!

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

31 Aug 2020 18:02:43

September 2025 Award Winners

After the game reviews, now to see who won on September's awards.

Manager of the Month:

https://i.postimg.cc/KzJmfvsy/SBCH-MOTM-Sep2025.png

Despite staying unbeaten again, I was nowhere in the running for the managerial gong. Congrats to Mr Beattie.

Player of the Month:

https://i.postimg.cc/2SbFf142/SBCH-POTM-Sep2025.png

For the second month in a row, Jack finishes runner up. He's been brilliant for us so far, I'm sure he will win this at some point in the campaign. That is though, if we can keep hold of him as big clubs are bound to be sniffing around.

Young Player of the Month:

https://i.postimg.cc/G3Xk8FKX/SBCH-YPOTM-Sep2025.png

Nothing much to write home about here..

Goal of the Month:

https://i.postimg.cc/g0yhY8rq/SBCH-GOTM-Sep2025.png

The winner was Joe Adams of QPR, on loan from Middlesbrough. Remember him well from when he used to feature for my Welsh Under-21 side, scored some cracking goals then. Wish he could learn to smile though...

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

31 Aug 2020 17:00:55

Squeaky bum time, hope you can stay up.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

31 Aug 2020 14:53:04

September 2025 Review

Welcome to September's game reviews.

https://i.postimg.cc/L4VtKDRv/PNEFC-202526-Game8.png

Saturday 13 September 2025

After the international break, we headed over the Pennines and into South Yorkshire to face Barnsley. Any gnawing doubts about a potential upset would be quashed as we scored twice in the opening seven minutes to delight our away support. The opening goal came in the sixth minute when a deep cross from Cristiàn Cuevas found its way to the far post where Jack Harrison volleyed home his fourth of the season. The winger would create the second a minute later with a free-kick that was clipped into the danger area and Italian striker Moise Kean headed home his sixth of the campaign. It was as dominant an away performance as you could ever wish for, and we added two more in the second half to wrap up a comprehensive win. In the 52nd minute Kean got his second of the afternoon and seventh of the season from close range after a Brijani Ibrahimi shot rebounded favourably into his path

The rout was completed in the 72nd minute when a Harrison corner was met by a powerful header from skipper Jules Koundé for the captain's first of the season.

Team: Beiranvand; Roberts, Koundé ©, Konsa, Cuevas; Ronaldo Vieira; Maggiore, Freuler; Harrison, Kean; Ibrahimi. Substitutes: Palmer (for Maggiore 64), Griffiths (for Ibrahimi 71), Cain (for Roberts 71), Crompton, Jääskeläinen, Bächle, Tipple.
Goalscorers: Harrison (6), Kean (7, 52), Koundé (72)
Booked: Roberts (2)
Man of the Match: Moise Kean (Preston North End)
Attendance: 18,434 (1140 Preston)

https://i.postimg.cc/htXTmqm3/PNEFC-202526-Game9.png

Tuesday 16 September 2025

Midweek saw us entertain a struggling Millwall side at the wrong end of the table, and the result went with the form book despite the Lions having the majority of the possession. We took the lead three minutes before half time when a Kasey Palmer inswinging free-kick was met by the head of left-back Cuevas who made no mistake from six yards out. We added our second in the 64th minute when Millwall failed to deal with a Cuevas deep set piece and Palmer volleyed home his second of the season. A third would arrive in the 81st minute and it was a memorable moment for one of our new signings. Picking up a pass from Harrison, Jonas Bächle took a touch before placing a shot into the corner. What a moment for the former Leverkusen midfielder! Millwall pulled back a consolation in injury time through Spanish striker Juan Muñoz but that's all it was.

Team: Beiranvand; Roberts, Koundé ©, Ampadu, Cuevas; Ronaldo Vieira; Maggiore, Palmer; Harrison, Kean; Ibrahimi. Substitutes: Bächle (for Maggiore 67), Tipple (for Kean 75), Cain (for Roberts 78), Crompton, Jääskeläinen, Freuler, Griffiths.
Goalscorers: Cuevas (42), Palmer (64), Bächle (81)
Booked: Roberts (2), Harrison (14), Maggiore (66), Kean (73)
Man of the Match: Kasey Palmer (Preston North End)
Attendance: 15,483 (917 Away)

https://i.postimg.cc/LXp1GYbr/PNEFC-202526-Game10.png

Saturday 20 September 2025

You've all heard of super sub David Fairclough right? The guy in the 70s that Liverpool used to send on with regularity and he used to make something happen for them, well we had our own super sub in Norfolk and it got us a point when it looked we would leave with none after dominating the Canaries. Chance after chance was passed up, and to be honest it felt like one of those days. The home side took the lead with eight minutes to go to half time when Che Adams skipped away from Cuevas to angle a shot across Alireza Beiranvand and into the far corner. it could have been a hell of a lot worse had last season's Championship top scorer Adam Idah brought his scoring boots to the game but thankfully he hadn't as he squandered numerous opportunities presented to him. Then as we entered the third minute of four minutes added on, we scored a dramatic equaliser.

Two of my substitutes were at the heart of it, and I'm so thankful for them to be honest as it spared the blushes of others. Bächle fed the ball out wide left to Richard Tipple who cut inside before unleashing a dipping effort that the home keeper got nowhere near and nestled into the net via the help of the crossbar. Some way to celebrate your first ever goal for the Club, an outstanding effort that wouldn't have looked out of place in the Premiership. Still didn't see Auntie Delia though....

Team: Beiranvand; Konsa, Koundé ©, Ampadu, Cuevas; Ronaldo Vieira; Freuler, Palmer; Harrison, Kean; Ibrahimi. Substitutes: Bächle (for Palmer 61), Crompton (for Ampadu 66), Tipple (for Ibrahimi 74), Cain, Jääskeläinen, Maggiore, Griffiths.
Goalscorer: Tipple (90+3)
Man of the Match: Richard Tipple (Preston North End)
Attendance: 27,044 (1052 Preston)

https://i.postimg.cc/PrPP3QqC/PNEFC-202526-Game11.png

Saturday 27 September 2025

[justify]After the drama in Norwich, we had to come from behind to take points against newly promoted Brentford at Deepdale. The Bees stung us in the 11th minute and it was a sloppy goal to concede from our side. A long ball forward should have been dealt with comfortably but we dozed, and Akram Atif had all the time in the world to walk in and place a shot past the exposed Beiranvand We did level matters in the 27th minute when Brentford failed to clear a low cross from Connor Roberts and Harrison latched onto that loose ball to drill home his fifth of the season. Despite this, I was far from happy when it came to half time and gave them an absolute roasting. It was hairdryer treatment time that even Sir Alex Ferguson would have been proud of delivering

The winner would come seven minutes into the second half. A superb overlapping run from Cuevas which resulted in a peach of a cross and a header into the top corner from the onrushing Kasey Palmer for the midfielder's third of the season. We should have had more but once again were wasted in front of net. This should have been an absolute hammering dished out by us but we got over the line, and three more points on the board.

Team: Beiranvand; Roberts, Koundé ©, Ampadu, Cuevas; Ronaldo Vieira; Vukcevic, Palmer; Harrison, Kean; Ibrahimi. Substitutes: Griffiths (for Ibrahimi 55), Bächle (for Vukcevic 64), Freuler (for Ronaldo Vieira 74), Cain, Jääskeläinen, Konsa, Tipple.
Goalscorers: Harrison (27), Palmer (52)
Booked: Rolando Vieira (48)
Man of the Match: Jack Harrison (Preston North End)
Attendance: 16,810 (755 Away)

https://i.postimg.cc/yNXdgfLb/PNEFC-202526-Game12.png

Tuesday 30 September 2025

On a rainy night in Blackburn, a late equaliser extended our unbeaten start to the season to twelve games and ensured that Rovers wouldn't go home with some early season bragging rights. We opened the scoring midway through the first half when Harrison scored his sixth of the season with a placed effort into the corner following a wonderful no look and round the corner pass from Palmer. We looked like we would go into the dressing room ahead at half time when they equalised in the 44th minute, Beiranvand saving Lower's header but the rebound popped out to Brereton who had the simple task of nodding home from two yards out.

As the rain continued to fall, Rovers snatched the lead in the 67th minute. We lost the ball upfield and they broke, Brereton providing the cross for Marcondes to head home with aplomb. It was another less than pretty goal to concede. It meant we were chasing the game once more, and with eight minutes left: got an equaliser to ensure a share of the spoils. Harrison provided an out swinging corner and captain Koundé supplied the headed finish. We would finish the game with ten men though as Swiss midfielder Remo Freuler limped off injury time and we had used all our substitutions but the unbeaten run is still intact for now!

Team: Beiranvand; Roberts, Koundé ©, Konsa, Cuevas; Ronaldo Vieira; Freuler, Palmer; Harrison, Kean; Ibrahimi. Substitutes: Tipple (for Ibrahimi 57), Griffiths (for Kean 72), Bächle (for Harrison 90+2), Ampadu, Jääskeläinen, Cain, Vukcevic.
Goalscorers: Harrison (22), Koundé (82)
Booked: Roberts (58)
Man of the Match: Jack Harrison (Preston North End)
Attendance: 23,976 (7367 Preston)

The league standings at the end of September reads as follows:

https://i.postimg.cc/qRWMW9qg/PNEFC-Table-End-Sep2025.png

Analysis:

So we maintain our lead at the top of the table and are one of two unbeaten sides left in the Division. We've made an excellent start and it's still nice to see goals coming from all parts of gthe team. It has to be admitted that we could have lost one or two games this season so the warning signs are already there for us to heed. We have a pretty settled line up in our ranks but strength in depth in all positions should we suffer a bit of an injury crisis. Added to that we have players such as Charly Musonda ready to step in as he comes back from an early season injuriy, which is like getting a new player in for us.

There's been no declared interest in the wantaway three, and now right-back Connor Roberts has joined them as he wants to play at a higher level. Well if we keep at it, he'll get that wish with us. The January transfer window could be very interesting. Now time for yet another international break and get some of our injured healed.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

24 Aug 2020 16:03:16

2025-26: September Preview

https://i.postimg.cc/jSGnfz3f/PNEFC-Sep2025-Fixtures.png

After the international break, we embark on five more games in a 17 day spell to try and build on our impressive start.

We resume action with a trip to Oakwell to face Barnsley. The Tykes have made a steady start this season and could undo us if we are too complacent. I'm just hoping that damn mascot Toby (see below) isn't up to his usual antics what with trying to distract the opposition. If anything, we are hoping to put him and his team in the dog house. Striker Tyrese Campbell, son of former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin, will be a threat in front of goal whilst Scottish midfielder Alex Mowatt will look to pull the strings in midfield.

https://i.postimg.cc/XJDbZgQS/TobyTyke.jpg

That crazy mascot.....

After Barnsley we host Millwall in midweek and again they are a team that likes to mix it up. They haven't had the best of starts but we can't underestimate them by their league position. This is followed by a trip to East Anglia and Carrow Road. Norwich have, over the years, been a bit of a yo yo side as they seem to bounce between the Premier League and the Championship. They have the division's top scorer from last season in the shape of Adam Idah and I'll be delighted if we can head home with a point but three would be amazing.

We then host Brentford, a team that won the League One play-off final last season. They could surprise us; see why I said that every game this season appears to be like a Cup Final. The month ends with a tricky away trip to local rivals Blackburn Rovers. Rovers, of course, interviewed me after the end of my first season at Tranmere but I wasn't interested then. Anyway they're a team that are still trying to bounce back into the Premiership after being relegated in 2011-12. They are still owned by the Venky's by the way, Bragging rights are on the line as we complete more than 25% of our league games once the final whistle sounds at Ewood.

Remaining Transfer activity

https://i.postimg.cc/wxC5KRd0/PNEFC-Transfers-Window1-1-202526.png

We had a bit more transfer activity to end the month. Joining Nikola Vukcevic and Jake Collier as newcomers were Welsh internationalist Ethan Ampadu, Finnish goalkeeper Will Jääskeläinen and German midfielder Jonas Bächle. Signing Ampadu took a lot out of the transfer budget as Chelsea wanted £450,000 per month to be paid as a loan fee. Surprisingly the board sanctioned it and we beat off Stoke City to his signing. Jääskeläinen is more than capable back up for Alireza Beiranvand and a better option than James Montgomery who I'm now looking to offload if I can but there's zero interest at the moment. Finally Bächle is a highly rated midfielder that we signed after a successful trial period. He had a short spell with Bayer Leverkusen before being released in the summer, and possesses great technical ability. We will be looking to slowly get him up to speed with the game here before launching him, he's got some untapped potential we want to make use of. To grab him on a free transfer might be a bargain, and I've got a habit of finding free transfer gems right?

Five players left too, four on loan. Youngsters Ian Tierney, Andy Derbyshire and Ged Smalley have gone to get some valuable league match experience at Chorley, Burton Albion and Barrow respectively. If they do we will, then it augurs well for their future and shows what a great youth set up we have here. Experienced attacking midfielder/striker Veton Berisha has joined divisional rivals Huddersfield Town on loan for the season but if someone comes to meet his asking price then I'll be selling him on. One player that has moved on is another experienced player in the shape of Marco Fossati who has gone back home to Italy to join Pisa. He wanted to go back home and even though we took less than what we really wanted, he got his wish.

Messrs Vieira, Watkins and Kean still want to leave after relegation but as of now, nobody wants to pay their respective asking prices. Perhaps if we go straight back up then they might drop their requests, it's mirroring what happened at Tranmere and we all know what happened in the end...the wantaways decided to stay! I'm hoping this happens here....

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

24 Aug 2020 15:04:04

August 2025 Award Winners

We've gone through the game reviews, now to see who won on the opening month's awards.

Manager of the Month:

https://i.postimg.cc/gkmDXPLp/SBCH-MOTM-Aug2025.png

Start as you mean to go on I suppose. First month in the second tier and an unbeaten beginning to it. The personal accolades just keep on accumulating...

Player of the Month:

https://i.postimg.cc/vZmthLvS/SBCH-POTM-Aug2025.png

I think Jack was very hard done by not to win this award as he's been superb in August for us. The winner scored twice against us but still finished on the losing side; suppose there's plenty of time for one of boys to take this award. It will happen I'm sure.

Young Player of the Month:

https://i.postimg.cc/2SXFKbcj/SBCH-YPOTM-Aug2025.png

Wasn't expecting anything to happen here to be honest. We have a squad of seasoned campaigners at Deepdale and unless somehow we uncover a wonderkid then don't foresee much happening in this category this month or any month for that matter.

Goal of the Month:

https://i.postimg.cc/0Q7Yjt8r/SBCH-GOTM-Aug2025.png

Is this the first part of a Leeds love-in? We scored some cracking long range efforts in August for but only Nikola got a mention. Mateus (Uribe) and particularly Ethan (Ampadu) who scored a superb long range free-kick can feel justifiably aggrieved not to be considered.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

23 Aug 2020 22:36:58

August 2025 Review (Part Two)

Welcome to the second part of August's game reviews.

https://i.postimg.cc/1zT6Gtb6/PNEFC-202526-Game5.png

Tuesday 19 August 2025

After winning four out of four, our next test would be a proper War of the Roses against Leeds United. The team still picked itself as we lined up in our usual formation. But Leeds were a tough nut to crack and it was they who took the lead in the 21st minute. That goal came when Egyptian winger Zizo was given time to run at our defence then thread the ball to Oli McBurnie and he lashed a shot beyond Beiranvand. Yet we were only behind for just nine minutes and what an equaliser it was. The ball was worked to the edge of the penalty area where Nikola Vukcevic was lurking and the experienced midfielder took one touch before firing home an unstoppable effort that Balcombe in the Whites goal had no hope in saving. Both teams tried for a second but neither defence buckled and a fantastic encounter ended all square. 100 per cent record gone but still unbeaten.

Team: Beiranvand; Roberts, Koundé ©, Ampadu, Tipple; Ronaldo Vieira; Uribe, Vukcevic; Harrison, Watkins; Kean. Substitutes: Ibrahimi (for Watkins 53), Palmer (for Ronaldo Vieira 72), Konsa (for Vukcevic 83), Kirby, Jääskeläinen, Crompton, Griffiths.
Goalscorers: Vukcevic (30)
Man of the Match: Nikola Vukcevic (Preston North End)
Attendance: 18,586 (1041 Away)

https://i.postimg.cc/7LTbyNQG/PNEFC-202526-Game6.png

Saturday 23 August 2025

Following that hard game against Leeds, we had our sixth league game of the season at Pride Park. It proved to be a bit a ram raid (pardon the pun) as we took away the points despite the home side having the majority of the play and chances. The team still remained unchanged as we opted to continue with Richard Tipple at left back despite Cristiàn Cuevas being fully recovered from injury. We took the lead in the 32nd minute when Ollie Watkins saw his header blocked by Lawrence but straight to Ronaldo Vieira who lashed home his second of the season. Our attacking options took a blow in the 52nd minute when Vukcevic limped off with a twisted ankle. A real shame considering the Montegrin national team skipper has been in great form since signing this summer.

With quarter of an hour to go, the Rams were level. A rapid counter attack had us back pedalling and from a Hirons cross, Jamie Soule applied the finishing touch beyond Beiranvand. However, four minutes we nabbed what proved to be the winning goal when Kalas impeded Brijan Ibrahimi as they challenged for a Connor Roberts cross. The Albanian took responsibility for the spot kick and produced another well executed spot kick for his second of the season. Back to winning ways!

Team: Beiranvand; Roberts, Koundé ©, Ampadu, Tipple; Ronaldo Vieira; Uribe, Vukcevic; Harrison, Watkins; Kean. Substitutes: Palmer (for Vukcevic 52), Ibrahimi (for Kean 65), Griffiths (for Watkins 81), Kirby, Jääskeläinen, Crompton, Konsa.
Goalscorers: Ronaldo Vieira (32), Ibrahimi (pen 79)
Booked: Tipple (59)
Man of the Match: Ronaldo Vieira (Preston North End)
Attendance: 18,586 (1041 Preston)

https://i.postimg.cc/Y9qVWXKj/PNEFC-202526-Game7.png

Saturday 30 August 2025

We finished the opening month with a visit from West Bromwich Albion, a team I'm half expecting to be challenging for promotion when it comes to the crunch. With Vukcevic on the sidelines, Remo Freuler came back after his own injury to partner Mateus Uribe in midfield, Cristiàn Cuevas replaced Tipple but other than those two changes we were unchanged. We were ahead after 18 minutes and with another stunning strike from outside the area, this time Uribe with an unstoppable effort that just whistled by the leaden footed Albion keeper. It was the Colombian's second of the season. They would equalise in the 32nd minute when Hein played in Vido and he cracked in a nice effort to the far corner from an acute angle.

However, we would go in at half-time 2-1 ahead thanks to a goal five minutes before the break. A corner from Jack Harrison was headed to Moise Kean and he instantly switched it back out wide to Harrison but continued his run into the six yard box to meet the winger's cross with a deft header. It ended a mini barren spell in front of goal for the Italian and a fifth goal of the season. Ten minutes after half time, we had to endure another reshuffle as Watkins came off with a twisted ankle similar to what had happened to Vukcevic a week before. But we didn't let that bother us and two goals in as many minutes just after the hour; took the game away from Albion and confirmed a convincing win for us. In the 61st minute, Ibrahimi netted with a deflected shot after Albion failed to deal with a Harrison free-kick for his third of the season. Then Harrison helped himself to a third of the season when he showed incredible skill to bamboozle the Albion defence like a knife through hot butter, finishing with a well struck effort into the top corner.

Team: Beiranvand; Roberts, Koundé ©, Ampadu, Cuevas; Ronaldo Vieira; Uribe, Freuler; Harrison, Watkins; Kean. Substitutes: Ibrahimi (for Watkins 58), Maggiore (for Uribe 72), Konsa (for Ampadu 82), Griffiths, Jääskeläinen, Tipple, Cain.
Goalscorers: Uribe (18), Kean (40), Ibrahimi (61), Harrison (63)
Booked: Uribe (41)
Man of the Match: Jack Harrison (Preston North End)
Attendance: 19,307 (1041 Away)

https://i.postimg.cc/0jcCjfmt/CarabaoCupLogo.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/8CxXnTqQ/PNEFC-CCR2202526.png

Tuesday 26 August 2025

Our second round tie in this season's Carabao Cup was a tough one for us as we were pitted against Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have established themselves in the Premier League without breaking into the elite group. They fielded as strong as a side as possible, with Mason Mount and Diogo Jota threatening from midfield. We chose to rest some key players due to the fixtures played in this month, this meant a début for goalkeeper Will Jääskeläinen, a return from injury for Cuevas, and first starts of the season for Ezri Konsa, Harrison Kirby and Andrew Ferguson whilst Ibrahimi led the line. But it was a game that if we had our shooting boots on then it could have been a different story. Two late goals though would be enough to secure Wolves path into the third round where they will travel to Reading.

The first came with just twelve minutes to go when Swedish striker John Guidetti played in Morgan Gibbs-White and he finished well despite the angle appearing to narrow on him. Then as we pushed for an equaliser that would force penalties, Wolves scored a second in time added on. This time Jota was the architect with a well weighted pass and Guidetti did the rest with a confident finish past Jääskeläinen. So our Carabao Cup progress ends rather abruptly which is a shame considering the quality we have here. It does mean we can concentrate on the real objective though...

Team: Jääskeläinen; Roberts ©, Konsa, Ampadu, Cuevas; Freuler, Palmer; Ferguson, Kirby, Kean; Ibrahimi. Substitutes: Bächle (for Kirby 61), Watkins (for Ibrahimi 76), Ronaldo Vieira (for Ampadu 81), Koundé, Beiranvand, Crompton, Griffiths.
Goalscorers: None
Man of the Match: Diogo Jota (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Attendance: 10,431 (1184 Away)

The league standings at the end of the opening month are as follows though:

https://i.postimg.cc/zG8kvy1G/PNEFC-Table-End-Aug2025.png

Analysis:

A very good start to life back in the Championship with only Leeds stopping us from having seven wins out of wins. Goals are coming from defenders, midfielders and strikers which is pleasing and the team seem to have adjusted to my formation of choice very well indeed. We're scoring plenty of goals, averaging three goals a game but I think we need to tighten up a bit in defence a bit. It feels like if you score on us then we'll score a few more back in your net! That small gripe aside, I really couldn't ask for anything better considering this is my first season at this level and if it stays this way then my reputation can only increase.

We might have spent a bit on transfers, and have less than £1.7 million spare for new buys. A large proportion has been taken by the loan fee Chelsea wanted when we brought in Ethan Ampadu but you have to bring in quality when it becomes available. I'm very happy with things. However, more tests await..

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

23 Aug 2020 19:55:09

Well done on getting promotion and bagging the title.

Hopefully this will lead to bigger and better things for the Owls. If you can get a top seven finish that'll be an awesome return but I guess a comfortable mid-table finish in the top half would be consolidation personified.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

19 Aug 2020 12:32:54

By Number 1 | On 18 August 2020 - 18:41 PM UTC

Great start at PNE - good luck at maintaining it.

Thank you, I hope so too. It's been quite a career so far....

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

18 Aug 2020 17:16:23

https://i.postimg.cc/5t08q4h1/Sky-Bet-Championship.jpg

August 2025 Review (Part One)

Welcome to the first part of August's game reviews.

https://i.postimg.cc/Px8HDDKD/PNEFC-202526-Game1.png

Saturday 2 August 2025

After playing our five pre-season games, and enjoying success in the majority of them, it was time for the bread and butter of the domestic league action. The bid for the return to the Premiership begins here.

Our opening game would be against local rivals Wigan Athletic in front of a sell out crowd at Deepdale.. The match would see the débuts of Ethan Ampadu and Nikola Vukcevic who have been two of our new signings this season. We controlled the game and opened the scoring after 23 minutes. A corner from Jack Harrison was headed back out to the winger, who skipped around his marker with ease, then drilled it in low to the edge of the six yard box where Ollie Watkins arrived on cue to sidefoot home. Our second goal; which put the game beyond the Latics, came after 67 minutes from the penalty spot. A hard tackle from Curtis Nelson was deemed a foul by referee Stephen Martin, and Brijani Ibrahimi stepped up to assume responsibility. The Albanian had only been on the pitch just three minutes when the spot kick was awarded but he placed the kick straight down the middle of the goal with keeper Cardelli committed to his left already. The perfect winning start.

Team: Beiranvand; Roberts, Koundé ©, Ampadu, Cuevas; Ronaldo Vieira; Freuler, Vukcevic; Harrison, Watkins, Kean. Substitutes: Tipple (for Cuevas 22), Ibrahimi (for Kean 64), Palmer (for Ronaldo Vieira 73), Konsa, Montgomery, Berisha, Derbyshire.
Goalscorers: Watkins (23), Ibrahimi (pen 67)
Man of the Match: Jack Harrison (Preston North End)
Attendance: 20,830 (1041 Away) - SOLD OUT

https://i.postimg.cc/gjFWH0BT/PNEFC-202526-Game2.png

Wednesday 6 August 2025

The first away game of the season was a trip to the Bet365 Stadium to face the title favourites. Stoke, of course, you remember interviewed and declined me for their then vacant managerial role in the summer before Preston came calling so I was keen to put one of on them for sure. We made two changes for the game, both down injury: Cristian Cuevas (damaged foot) and Remo Freuler (pulled groin) were out with Richard Tipple and Mateus Uribe coming in. The opening goal came after 14 minutes when a raking pass from Watkins found Moise Kean in space and the Italian took two touches before blasting in a shot that beat the keeper at his near post. However, the lead lasted just seven minutes when Tymon's left wing cross was headed by Etebo. Midfielder Ronaldo Vieira had to come off with a niggle five minutes before half time but once more the substitute made an almost immediate impact with what turned out to be the winner. Harrison was baulked in the area by Tymon and up stepped Kasey Palmerto produce the perfect penalty despite the keeper getting a hand to it.

Stoke pushed for a leveller all way through the second half but we held sway, and we came back up the M6 with three massive points.

Team: Beiranvand; Roberts, Koundé ©, Ampadu, Tipple; Ronaldo Vieira; Uribe, Vukcevic; Harrison, Watkins, Kean. Substitutes: Palmer (for Ronaldo Vieira 40), Ibrahimi (for Kean 48), Musonda (for Watkins 73), Konsa, Montgomery, Berisha, Derbyshire.
Goalscorers: Kean (14), Palmer (pen 42)
Booked: Roberts
Man of the Match: Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City)
Attendance: 25,567 (1776 Preston)

https://i.postimg.cc/hvLqyqkP/PNEFC-202526-Game3.png

Saturday 9 August 2025

Freuler would retain to the starting eleven in the next match as we hosted Jasper Carrott's favourite side, the Blues from Birmingham. Unlike the first two games, it was the opponents that took the lead in the 22nd minute when a hanging cross to the far post was headed in by Azcona for his first goal of the season. Yet we were only behind for five minutes when Harrison sped down the right wing before Kean stretched those neck muscles to steer a header across the keeper and in. Buoyed by this, we scored twice before half time to go 3-1 ahead. After 37 minutes, a cross from Tipple was headed on Kean and nobody picked up Harrison to score one of his easiest ever goals. Then a couple of minutes later, a Harrison corner was headed goalwards by Ronaldo Vieira but Vukcevic had the final touch to force the ball home.

There was more goals in the second half, with three in as many minutes. Just 57 seconds into that second half, a swift Blues counter saw Azcona found Mubele to place an unstoppable shot into the net. Then in the 47th minute, one of the goal of the season candidates came from the boot of Ampadu who curled home a free kick from fully 30 yards out. Wow, just wow! But Blues didn't go down lie down and scored their third goal in the 49th minute when Mubele found the back of the net again. With the opponents looking for a fourth and equalising goal, we scored a clincher in time added on. This was down to great work down the left by substitute Charly Musonda saw the Belgian winger cross and Kean produced another superb header to net his 3rd of the season and second of the match. An amazing game...well for the neutrals right?

Team: Beiranvand; Roberts, Koundé ©, Ampadu, Tipple; Ronaldo Vieira; Freuler, Vukcevic; Harrison, Watkins, Kean. Substitutes: Konsa (for Koundé 60), Ibrahimi (for Kean 74), Crompton (for Ampadu 81), Ibrahimi, Montgomery, Uribe, Crompton.
Goalscorers: Kean (27, 90+2), Harrison (37), Vukcevic (39), Ampadu (47)
Booked: Harrison
Man of the Match: Moise Kean (Preston North End)
Attendance: 18,738 (1041 Away)

https://i.postimg.cc/xTQQkcmk/PNEFC-202526-Game4.png

Saturday 16 August 2025

Our fourth game of the season would be a long hike to the South Coast and the historic stadium of Fratton Park in Portsmouth. Once more it was a bit of a goal fest but we came away with the points but we need to tighten up at the back end. Uribe once more came into the starting eleven after Freuler had picked up another small knock, and it was the veteran Colombian who opened the scoring after just five minutes: cracking home an effort from the edge of the box that gave the keeper no chance whatsoever. Three minutes later, we went 2-0 ahead when a free kick from Uribe was headed weakly back out to Ronaldo Vieira.who headed it back into the path of Vukcevic who scored his second goal of the season at the second attempt: he had hit the post initially. Then we hit two more quick goals to go 4-0 up after just 11 minutes. That third came when Ronaldo Vieira pulled away from his marker at a Harrison corner and steered his header into the net. Then straight after the restart, Pompey conceded possession and from a Tipple cross to the back post, Harrison volleyed home.

We had a gap before the next goal, which came after 29 minutes and it was our fifth of the afternoon. A counter instigated by Harrison saw his spot the run of Kean who had the time and space to drill home another well struck effort into the far corner of the net: his fourth in three games! Portsmouth pulled one back ten minutes before half time when Heckman headed home. Then for the second successive game, we seemed to allow the opponent back into the game. Polish midfielder Jakub Moder made it 5-2 in the 68th minute when we dozed off at a corner and it became 5-3 with seven minutes left when Tipple diverted a Moder shot into his own net. But we refocused after that and came away our fourth win in four games, we were just happy that the early 29 minute damage of five goals had done enough damage to Portsmouth.

Team: Beiranvand; Roberts, Koundé ©, Ampadu, Tipple; Ronaldo Vieira; Uribe, Vukcevic; Harrison, Watkins, Kean. Substitutes: Palmer (for Vukcevic 62), Palmer (for Vukcevic 72), Musonda (for Watkins 79), Konsa, Jääskeläinen, Kirby, Musonda.
Goalscorers: Uribe (5), Vukcevic (8), Ronaldo Vieira (11), Harrison (11), Kean (29)
Man of the Match: Jack Harrison (Preston North End)
Attendance: 19,644 (958 Preston)

After four games, this is how we stand:

https://i.postimg.cc/XqJScDfp/PNEFC-Table-Mid-Aug2025.png

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

18 Aug 2020 13:28:54

Every game in the Championship feels like a Cup Final, at least that how I'm seeing it on my FM19 save.

Keep up the good work with this, enjoying the updates and it's a real good old fashioned Susie story that I kinda like.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

16 Aug 2020 17:33:55

Carabao Cup First Round Draw

https://i.postimg.cc/CK7cJpCt/carabao-cup-trophy.jpg

14 August 2025

The draw for the second round stage of this season's Carabao Cup was made today.

North End have been given a tough encounter with Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers at Deepdale. This game will be played on Tuesday 26 August 2025.

The Cup also sees an interesting rerun of the 1973 FA Cup Final between Leeds United and Sunderland whilst there's a West Country derby in place when Cheltenham Town host Bristol Rovers. League Two side Sutton United host Premier League Southampton and hope to add another giant killing to their history

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

16 Aug 2020 15:39:53

Lilywhites bring new goalkeeper

7 August 2025

https://i.postimg.cc/h4kntHGt/willjaaskelainen.jpg

Preston North End have today confirmed the signing of former Finnish Under-21 goalkeeper Will Jääskeläinen.

The 27 year old, son of former Bolton Wanderers keeper Jussi, has joined the club on a two year deal from Sunderland for a fee of £120,000. Prior to signing for the Black Cats, Jääskeläinen spent six seasons at Crewe Alexandra making 262 appearances in between the sticks for the Railwaymen.

Manager Mark Duell had been looking for cover for regular first choice Alireza Beiranvand, and in Jääskeläinen he feels like he's got the perfect choice.

"It's no secret that we were a bit thin on the goalkeeper ranks.

Bringing in Will (Jääskeläinen) fits the criteria I was looking for. He's a confident keeper, and I'm sure he will do well for us when called upon. If he is as good as his father then we will have found ourselves a bit of a bargain. Sometimes you don't always have to spend big, you can find hidden gems at any time."

Jääskeläinen has been handed the number 1 jersey.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

15 Aug 2020 15:56:51

Ampadu joins Lilywhites on loan

29 July 2025

https://i.postimg.cc/RFWryczp/Ethan-Ampadu.jpg

Preston North End have today confirmed the loan signing of Ethan Ampadu from Chelsea.

The 24 year old Welsh internationalist, who has picked up 55 caps for his country, has joined us for the season as we aim to make an immediate return back to the Premier League. Ampadu's signing certainly increases the options available to Mark Duell as he gets ready for North End's league opener at home to Wigan Athletic on Saturday. The manager had this to say about his newest recruit:

"I'm very pleased to welcome Ethan to Preston.

When a current international with as much experience as Ethan becomes available, you have to be in the running. I'm so pleased he has chosen us to play his football this season, and reject other options. At the age of 24, he seems to have been around ages but he is a leader and will be an influence in our room.

I'm sure our fans will be delighted to see us land such a quality player."

Ampadu has been allocated the number 23 jersey on signing.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

15 Aug 2020 15:02:53

A look at the squad

Here we have a look at the squad I've inherited from Philip Cocu. Obviously due to their versatility, some players may feature in more than group.

Goalkeepers:

https://i.postimg.cc/Pqdq8FkG/PNEFC-202526-Squad-GK.png

Looking at this, I think we need to see if we can get another keeper in: one that can push Beiramvand for the number one spot. Montgomery is alright as a back up but he's not got that quality to be a recognised number one and the fact, he's 31 too. This is definitely one of our weak points, and needs to be addressed.

Defenders:

https://i.postimg.cc/PJHHBCfg/PNEFC-202526-Squad-DE.png

We're pretty well covered in all positions here which is good, and there is some decent experience in place. I don't plan on using Vukcevic, Vieira or Maggiore in central defence at all but they'll be useful to have as options should we suffer an injury crisis in that particular position. Other than this, as I said I think we're pretty well covered all bases in the back line.

Midfielders:

https://i.postimg.cc/yYr5RJ47/PNEFC-202526-Squad-MI.png

One thing is for sure, we've got ourselves plenty of central midfielders here. That'll be useful to find out who slots in best in my preferred 4-1-2-2-1. Don't think that I'll be shopping for any replacements unless Vieira does get his desired move and again we have an injury crisis on our hands. There's again plenty of experienced heads in there.

Forwards:

https://i.postimg.cc/fb7B8yFt/PNEFC-202526-Squad-ST.png

One thing I can say, there's definitely goals in our squad looking at the offensive options we have at our disposal. The problem will be to find out which players fit in the best. It feels like I'm spoiled for choice with an embarrassment of riches. If one player isn't doing it, then it looks like I've probably gotten myself a natural replacement just waiting to step in.

Picking a matchday squad has never been a hard task so far in this career, until now...

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

15 Aug 2020 14:26:28

2025-26: August Preview

https://i.postimg.cc/q7w9D16d/PNEFC-Aug2025-Fixtures.png

One thing is for sure, if I thought that there would be no easy games in the lower reaches then it's certainly tougher the higher up the echelons you go. Every game is like a Cup Final so by that chalk, we're in for 46 Cup Finals in the regular season.

We begin our Championship 2025-26 campaign with a home start against local rivals Wigan Athletic. Having suffered relegation in 2018-19, the Latics spent four seasons in League One before winning it in 2022-23. They endured two play-off semi final heartaches in that time too, and finished a respectable 9th last season. In their ranks they have former Lilywhites keeper and Welsh internationalist Chris Maxwell, who spent four seasons here before leaving for Blackburn Rovers in August 2020. Other than him, the team is a mix of everything but former PSG trainee Moussa Sissako looks a quality attack minded left back and probably their best player.

After hopefully winning on opening day, our first away game of the season is a trip to the Bet365 Stadium in Stoke. Stoke, as you might know, interviewed me for their then vacant managerial role in the summer before I agreed to take over here at Preston. I'm expecting a tough game there for sure as they were relegated with us, and they're the bookies favourites to take the Championship title this season. But then again all of my sides so far, have gone on and upset the odds completely and the title favourites are left wanting. It'll be nice to go there and show them what they missed out on for sure.

After Stoke, we face Birmingham City at Deepdale. Now Blues are an unpredictable club to say the least, one minute brilliant then the next minute: absolutely abysmal. They've flitted around mid-table avoiding relegation in 2018-19, and as such I don't know what to expect from them at all. Hopefully, we will catch them on one of their off days for sure. A long away trip down to Portsmouth comes next, and they're the favourites for relegation. The last two seasons have seen them yo-yo between the Championship and League One so ideally we should be taking points from them.

Tougher tests definitely come in the other three league games in the opening month. Leeds United, the third relegated side, come to Deepdale in an appetising War of the Roses midweek clash and that will certainly be a hard game and not one for the faint hearted for sure. Derby away then follows, and they could easily be promotion contenders if they get some kind of consistency in their results. They have a Premier League standard stadium, just need to be good enough to go up. Before we play our final league game of August, we have a Carabao Cup Second Round tie to deal with in this congested opening month against an opponent to be confirmed. Depending on who we draw, it could be a reason to feature some of the fringe players and rest some of the big names. All will be decided as soon as we know who we will play.

The final game of August is a home match against West Bromwich Albion, and I'm expecting them to be up there come the end of the season. Told you, every game is indeed a Cup Final! We need to hit the ground running so to speak as a good start is much better than playing catch up football. As usual, I'll be summarising this month in two parts rather than one long winded one.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

15 Aug 2020 13:29:17

I think you might be right there @Shedender mate, it's certainly progressing.

Definitely the best save I've had for a while, and it'll keep going for a bit: at least for 10 seasons minimum. Thanks for following still....

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

19 hours ago

1,611

14 Aug 2020 22:14:37

2025-26 Transfer Activity (Window 1)

https://i.postimg.cc/02LFWsT1/PNEFC-Transfers-Window1-202526.png

With eleven days to go before the window closes for the first time, I thought I would give an insight into our transfer dealings so far.

Just a couple of players in, and one of those is a familiar face to myself. The first newcomer is Montenegrin national team skipper Nikola Vukcevic who has joined us from Levante for an initial fee of £1.2 million, rising to £1.5 million after add-ons have been included. The 95 times capped internationalist should provide valuable experience in our midfield and is very technically one of the best players we have on our books. This deal was agreed before I took charge at Deepdale.

The second new face is Jake Collier, whom has been a bit of a hot prospect at Tranmere in the last two seasons. We had to fight off the attentions of Rangers to bring him to Deepdale. He has been signed for an initial fee of £600,000 which will raise to £900,000 again after add-ons. Collier has hit 44 goals in the last two campaigns for me, and I think he's capable of becoming better. He's only 20 years old and could be a real star in the making.

We released a number of players after relegation, including Kemar Roofe who has joined Swansea City in League One and Josh Harrop who has joined Championship rivals Nottingham Forest. Experienced Polish midfielder Lukasz Teodorczyk has also departed to go back to Eastern Europe and sign for Dukla Prague. Youngster Liam Robson has joined Northampton Town, recently relegated to League Two whilst Jordan Davis and Friday Taiwo have yet to find new employers.

Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has left Deepdale after relegation, after newly promoted Cardiff City agreed an initial fee of £2.5 million to take him to South Wales. This will net a further million after add-ons; and was a transfer that had gone through already before I took over. Youngsters Oliver Lee and Stuart Carroll have joined Gillingham and Southend United respectively on season long loans which should help with their developments. We also saw Grady Diangana depart too, again in a deal that was finalised before I took over. He's reunited with Martinez at the Bluebirds, they have paid an initial fee of £8 million for the attacking midfielder which will go to £10.25 million with sweeteners. Finally, as part of the deal that has brought Collier in, we have allowed him to return to Tranmere on a season long loan so he can continue to progress.

Ollie Watkins, Ronaldo Vieira and Moise Kean all want to leave after relegation but there have been no suitors to meet their asking prices which we consider fair. Watkins is valued at £25 million, Vieira at £30.5 million (as per his contract release clause) and Kean at £22.5 million respectively. Veton Berisha wants to leave too but because he thinks he's achieved what he set out to do when he signed here, we value him at a minimum of £9.75 million whilst Mauro Fossati wants to move home to Italy. if a team there comes in with an offer then he can go with our best wishes.

That's it for our transfer activity so far. Will we sign anyone else? Watch this space.

HockeyBhoy - Comments

Comments

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