John Welsh confident Preston can defeat Swindon in play-off final
Tuesday 19 May 2015 13:44, UK
John Welsh says Preston North End will use the heartbreak of missing out on automatic promotion on the final day of the season to spur them to victory in Sunday’s League One play-off final against Swindon.
Preston knew a win at Colchester would guarantee Championship status but a shock 1-0 defeat allowed MK Dons to leapfrog them into second and kept Colchester in the division.
Welsh revealed the setback was worse than losing to Rotherham in the play-offs last season.
“It was down to one game, given our form and league positions, everyone expected us to win," said the midfielder. "It just felt a lot worse. We should have done a lot better but it didn’t go our way.
“I couldn’t believe it, on the five-hour journey home I don’t think I spoke. You don’t feel like speaking to anyone, even your own family. It was probably the worst I’ve felt in my career; I felt so low and down after the game”
Securing promotion from League One is a familiar feat for Preston manager Simon Grayson who has tasted success in the play-offs with Blackpool and Huddersfield as well as taking Leeds up automatically in 2010.
Welsh, 31, said, “The good thing is the gaffer has been in this position before and he’s won. He knows what it takes to get us right physically and mentally so that’s a big bonus for us. His experiences will be a big factor in it.”
After the disappointment of losing at Colchester, Grayson, 45, had four days to pick up his rejected squad before the semi-final against Chesterfield.
Welsh said, “The gaffer said we’ve got two massive games coming up so get it out of your system. We had the following day off then he didn’t want to see anyone moping round or feeling sorry for themselves.”
Preston’s poor play-off record is well documented. They have been involved in the format nine times but have never won promotion.
They faced sixth place Chesterfield over two legs and showed character to win 4-0 on aggregate to reach their first final since the opening of new Wembley.
Welsh said: “This is probably the biggest game of my career and one that I’m really looking forward to. I’ve been in the Champions League squad with Liverpool and in the squad when Hull got promoted to the Premier League but didn’t actually play.
“It’s a great occasion, the noise levels and atmosphere will be brilliant.”
Preston have an enviable strike force with League One Player of the Year Joe Garner and former Premier League forward Jermaine Beckford and Welsh believes Swindon should fear the Lilywhites’ firepower.
“When we played against Manchester United in the FA Cup, the gaffer mentioned if they didn’t know Joe Garner before they would know him after,” Welsh said.
“You always get 100% from Joe, with the goals he scores, even when he was out for so long, he’s still racked up 27 goals for the season.
"Partner that with Becks who’s played at the highest level. When you know you’ve got players like that, it makes our job a lot easier.”
Beckford, who will be released by parent club Bolton in June, scored three goals in Preston’s 4-0 aggregate win over Chesterfield including a wonder strike from 40 yards.
Welsh said: “I didn’t expect him to score one from 40 yards but it was an unbelievable goal. If he gets in the right position he’ll always hit the target.
“Big players produce in big games and I’m sure he’ll be the one to watch on Sunday. Whoever gets the winning goal for us on Sunday will be a hero around these parts.”
On the road to Wembley Sunday’s opponent Swindon were involved in a thrilling 5-5 encounter with Sheffield United but progressed 7-6 over two legs.
Welsh said: “It was funny, I was watching the match in professional mode, looking at how we can hurt them and who you might be coming up against but by the end of the game I was on the edge of my seat and watching like a fan. It was crazy but great to watch. I’m sure it took its toll on those players.”
Garner netted a hat-trick in Preston’s 3-0 win at home to Swindon in March but Welsh said the players are not complacent.
“It’s going to be a tough game, mentally and physically but that’s brilliant for us,” he said. "They’ll want to get it down and pass and move us about and look for us to make a mistake positionally then they’ll exploit it.
“It’s set up to be a good game with two different styles, I’m sure it will be a tight game but an entertaining one.”
Watch Preston vs Swindon on Sunday May 24, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 5:30pm.
