Manager: Alan Irvine
Odds to win: 33-1
2007-2008:
Position: 15th W:15 D:11 L:20 F:50 A:56 Points: 56
Top Scorer: Neil Mellor (9)
FA Cup: Fifth Round
League Cup: First Round
Yellows: 72 Reds: 4
Results against Reds:
3/11/07 Barnsley 1-0 Preston. 12/4/08 Barnsley 2-1 Preston.
2008-2009:
Name: Simon Ostiadel (www.prestonorthend-mad.co.uk)
Club: Preston North End
Level of Interest: Season Ticket Holder and go to the majority of away games as well as run PNE Mad and contribute to the club's fanzine!
How has pre-season gone for you?
So far so good. Last pre-season cost us in a lot of ways as players were either injured or unfit. It cost Paul Simpson his job and we lost a lot of games late on due to a lack of preparation before the start of the season. The one thing that has changed is the fitness and attitude of the players.
Are you pleased with the signings your club has made?
We have only made one signing in Barry Nicholson so far. We have been reported to be linked with various other players and are hopeful that at least two new signings will arrive before the start of the season to bolster the squad.
What realistically are you aiming for this season?
Last season was our worst season since promotion back in 2000. This year we will look for improvement. Many fans think the top ten is a goal that can be achieved and if things click a play off position is a real possibility as we still have players from seasons gone by who have made the top six.
Which player has past his sell by date?
Kevin Nicholls was poor last season and never really looked fit - once again this goes back to pre-season. He has a lot to prove if he is to stay at the club. Simon Whaley as well appears to be too inconsistent and needs to improve to warrant a run in the side.
Have you got the right manager in charge?
I think we now have the right man in charge. He worked amazingly well last season to take us from bottom in January to safety with games to spare. He is a coach and was left with pretty much the same team that Simpson had but his methods were put across well and he knows how to get the best out of players. He is a David Moyes mark 2 and he gets the best out of everyone.
What advice would you give him?
The only thing I would say would be to buy wisely because every player seems to improve under him.
Who do you see as your key player?
Last season goalscoring was a problem until Chris Brown and Neil Mellor struck up a partnership - they will both be key if Preston are to have anything of a promotion push this season.
Who would you most like to beat this season?
I think the usual suspects such as Blackpool and Burnley are high on the list.
Where will you finish?
Optimistically top six.
How do you rate Barnsley's chances next season and
where do you think they will finish?
You seem to be spending money and have an ex-North Ender in charge who appears to be doing well. The division will be tight again so maybe if you can transfer last season's cup form over a longer period in the league there is a chance like anyone that you could be in the play offs.