Football Season Guide

After several near misses, Preston are at last back in the Championship, owing a lot to boss Simon Grayson's diligence. North End have kept battling away and achieved their rewards with a play-off final win over Swindon. Anything other than that would have been harsh after a season where they enjoyed plenty of success. Jermaine Beckford's loan spell has been made permanent while Will Keane's loan arrival from Manchester United gives them another option in attack. Deepdale has often been a ground of real partisan support so they will hope to do the business on home soil in particular. Grayson has not signed too many players over the summer so that is seen as some kind of worry. The fans will be dreaming of a top half finish but Preston's management and staff will know a season of stabilisation in their new division is what is required.