Following in the footsteps of you-know-who must be the carrot for Preston North End, says Steve Bradshaw.
If that lot down the road can do it, then why can't PNE?
He can't bring himself to mention them, but FanZone correspondent Steve Bradshaw says that lot from up the M65 are the example for Alan Irvine's men to follow...
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It's that time of year again, pre-season, and I've been asking myself 'why do we do this?', put ourselves through the stresses of supporting our team, most of us in the vain hope of actually winning something.
It's like doing the Lottery or the Pools or the Premium Bonds. We all know the odds of success are slim, but you have to be in it to win it, as they say.
But this year is different. This year I know we will get promotion to the Premier League. I can feel it in my blood. This is my 46th year of supporting the Lillywhites, and I'm starting off in my usual pre-season optimistic mode.
Without mentioning them by name, the success last season of our rivals in claret has given me renewed belief that a small-town club with a small budget can do it.
Stickability
It's not just about the money, it's about passion, belief, confidence, organisation and stickability.
God forgive me for giving even half a compliment to the 'Dingles' from just up the M65. We will miss playing them this year.
What a great piece of news that Alan Irvine is staying with us at least for another season. He could have cashed in and moved on, but I firmly believe he is the man to take us to the Promised Land.
Shame about Paul McKenna. There is no doubt that we will miss him in the engine room. I personally think he made a mistake in joining Forest. Time will tell.
I hope he gets a good reception on his return to Deepdale with his new club. As usual, I don't think the same will apply to manager Billy Davies, who once again has had an adverse effect on our season.
Determination
Without Paul, we will have to change our style perhaps. We do have some talented individuals in the team. It's time for some of them to show us what they are made of. Great to see Callum Davidson being recognised with the captaincy. I just hope he can stay fit. He brings a lot of grit and determination to the team.
A note to Mr Shaw and the directors - please give Alan the support he needs. I think that we were just a couple of players short last year and that caused us to miss out by the smallest of margins.
We were as good as any team last year; we had good victories over all the promoted teams. We just lacked the strength in depth in the few matches when we were hit by injuries and suspensions.
The squad is not a lot different this year. Ok, we have lost McKenna and Whaley, but all the long term injuries are back. We have great competition in defence, some talented individuals in midfield and a strong strike force. There are a few promising youngsters on the fringe of the first team.
Keep the faith - the dream is still alive.
Can Preston match you-know-who? What sort of reception will Paul McKenna and Billy Davies get? Join in the FanZone debate by filling in the feedback form below...
