Football Season Guide

Preston will again look to be the surprise package in the Championship having somewhat overachieved in each of the last two seasons. North End even flirted with the play-offs last time around in a most impressive offering. Much could depend on Sean Maguire this time around with the Irish striker scoring almost every time he was fit. He has now been joined by another signing from Ireland in the shape of Shamrock's Graham Burke. Alex Neil has made a notable signing of Oxford midfielder Ryan Ledson who really should add quality while Andrew Hughes and Jordan Storey are both useful defensive options. Preston's matches over the last few years have been typically tight affairs and they are not a side likely to play an expansive game. Instead they will build themselves from the back and make it difficult for sides to beat them. They do appear to lack the outstanding quality needed to challenge, especially in attacking areas of the pitch, although last time out there was some obvious improvement on that front.