Can Penrose be 'key' to Preston investment hunt?published at 10:27 BST 8 October
10:27 BST 8 October
Media caption,
Craig Hemmings to step down as Preston chairman
Can Ian Penrose's appointment as Preston North End's new non-executive chairman lead to a new era for the Lilywhites?
Lifelong North End fan and businessman Penrose took the role after owner Craig Hemmings stepped down as club chairman on Tuesday.
The change comes as the club look for new ownership or potential investors to help them remain competitive in the Championship, and BBC Radio Lancashire's Andy Bayes has been looking into why Penrose's appointment may help the cause.
"So my thinking into all this is that it's always been that if the Hemmings family can find a buyer, that would be their preference. If, in the meantime, they can find investment from elsewhere, that would be welcomed," Bayes said.
"I just wonder whether the appointment of Ian Penrose is going to be really key to this because of all his business acumen, because of his experience all over the world in different genres.
"He's going to know a heck of a lot of people and maybe already has somebody lined up to take Preston North End onto the next step."
Is it time to put the back five idea to bed?published at 09:21 BST 7 October
09:21 BST 7 October
Natalie Bromley Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Scott Parker's experiment with five at the back was a nice idea - and I get why it was appealing against some of the stronger sides in the league - but it's time to put it to bed.
It's not stopping the goals from going in and it's having a more fundamental impact on our own game.
The first is the level to which our midfield is left exposed when teams seek to counter us. The opening goal for Donyell Malen at Villa Park was a beautiful illustration of this, when Boubacar Kamara by-passed the entire Burnley team with one pass! Would that pass still have happened with more claret shirts beefing up midfield? Perhaps. But there is certainly plenty of space for teams to create the opportunities they need to score.
The second was probably more evident in previous games, particularly against Manchester United and Liverpool, than at Aston Villa, but it's the lack of opportunities we can create when we counter. Too often, we're left with no threat in the final third, and promising balls fritter away to nothing.
Not to mention the fact that we've got one of the best right-backs the Premier League has ever seen in Kyle Walker, and I'm not entirely sure we're getting the best out of him.
We've had some really hard fixtures in these opening seven games, but the Clarets have to start getting some points on the board. Perhaps a tweak in formation is the key to unlocking that?
"You're talking about getting the best out of the players. You're talking about recruitment. He (Heckingbottom) has obviously recruited really, really well.
"He's obviously playing a system that the players enjoy and they're able to express themselves as well as defend properly. That's a good mix and that shows in the performances and certainly shows where they are in the league.
"It's a long time since they've been that high. So everybody should really be well chuffed with Preston's form so far."
New recruits breathe life into Preston's play-off dreampublished at 17:09 BST 6 October
17:09 BST 6 October
Andy Bayes BBC Radio Lancashire sports editor
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Daniel Jebbison joined Preston in the summer on loan from Bournemouth
Preston North End have made a highly impressive start. Tipped by many to be strugglers, they have delivered strong, consistent performances and are rightly sitting in fourth spot.
You could put a case forward that North End should be two points better off after conceding a stoppage-time equaliser to Middlesbrough.
But, on the other hand, a miraculous save by Dan Iversen prevented Bristol City from leaving Deepdale with three points at the end of September.
All in all, the Deepdale faithful have no cause for complaint.
Paul Heckingbottom was crystal clear that last season's squad had to be broken up and that it needed a significant refresh. It's had that – and some.
On Saturday, it was the chance for summer recruits Andrija Vukcevic, Thierry Small and Daniel Jebbison to grab the headlines. In previous weeks it has been Pol Valentin, Alfie Devine or Lewis Dobbin who have had the limelight.
The return of Iversen to the goalkeeping department has been a masterstroke. A player familiar with the club, a player who feels at home, a player who feels valued and wanted.
He didn't have a shot to save on Saturday but was a commanding presence when required.
Harrison Armstrong made his full home debut against Charlton. A quick look at his ability shows he's got all the attributes to go to the top.
He's a player who makes the game look easy. Always in space, always with the pictures in his mind of how to get his team on the front foot.
While it's important to rightly recognise the new injection of talent in the squad, it is also crucial not to forget the long-serving players too.
Jordan Storey and Andrew Hughes are in season number eight as North Enders. Both have been outstanding, with Lewis Gibson in between them as part of a solid back three.
Club captain Ben Whiteman was a target for the 'boo-boys' last season on occasions. He's not put a foot wrong this season.
And Ali McCann is simply Ali McCann. A player who gives absolutely everything for the cause. He covers every blade of grass with tenacity, and I'm convinced that he's underrated in terms of what he offers.
The Milutin Osmajic situation is one that hopefully will be a lot clearer by the time the international break is over.
He answered FA charges in London last month relating to being accused of racism in February. Paul Heckingbottom told me on Saturday just how important it is that a verdict is reached soon.
"It could have/should have been dealt with a long time ago," Heckingbottom said.
"I think when there is something this important and the topic is important, it rightly means a lot to a lot of people.
"We've got two lads' careers, and they're trying to get on with it. We would have loved for it to have been sorted one way or another and moved on, but it's not. Hopefully we'll get to the bottom of it soon."
As the managerial sacking season gets into full swing, it probably marks the end of another time-honoured phrase, "it's very early in the season".
North End have made an excellent start, and for anyone dreaming of making the Championship play-offs for the first time since 2009, is it really out of the question?
