FM10: The Career of Darren Ferguson

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THE 2008/09 SEASON REVIEW


HALFORD: Shattered the hearts of many a PNE fan.

Mid-table mediocrity is where Preston ended up last season, but that's pretty impressive, seeing as former manager Paul Simpson had led them into the relegation zone. He was sacked after a 3-0 away loss at Hull, and Everton's assistant manager Alan Irvine took over the reigns. Two astute signings, Chris Brown and Richard Chaplow, were the key to survival, and now, with not a lot of funds, Irvine looked to work with what he had.

There wasn't much transfer action before the start of the season, with just two pieces happening. Centre-midfielder Barry Nicholson joined PNE from Aberdeen on a free transfer, and Ross Wallace joined on loan from Sunderland. There would be more at the end of August, but that's all they had for now.

The season kicked off with a great win away from home against the divison's new richboys, Ipswich Town. a consortium headed by Marcus Evans had just taken over, but theteam wasn't strong enough to down the Lilywhites, as goals from Paul McKenna and Simon Whaley cancelled out Kevin Lisbie's early opener. A Neil Mellor brace against Chesterfield in the League Cup was enough to see them through to the 2nd Round, and 4 days later, Nicholson's first goal for the club sealed a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace. Richard Chaplow also netted in the last minute, and added to his goal tally with the equaliser at Sheffield Wednesday, forcing a 1-1 draw against the Owls. Days later, PNE were knocked out of the League Cup by Derby County, but they got back to winning ways in the league against Charlton Athletic, Mellor and Nicholson netting to send PNE level on points with the top two, Birmingham and Wolves. Some late transfer action also saw strikers Jon Parkin and Stephen Elliott join from Stoke and Wolves, the latter having international experience with the Republic of Ireland.

After a two-week international break, Coventry held PNE to a 0-0 draw at the Ricoh Arena, before newly promoted Nottingham Forest were downed at Deepdale, as Youl Mawéne scored at both ends in a 2-1 win. This win then triggered three losses on the bounce. The first was at home to Wolves, when the 3,500 travelling wulfs cheered on striker Chris Iwelumo, who netted a hat-trick, then was sent off for elbowing Sean St.Ledger. Nevertheless, Wolves ran away with a 3-1 victory, and a week later, PNE travelled to their local rivals Burnley, and were beaten again by 3 goals to 1, Joey Gudjonsson netting a 35 yard wondergoal, his volley dipping over Andy Lonergan, the first of three well-worked goals. The month ended with a 2-0 loss to Swansea, a game in which a record of PNE was broken; they lost in a midweek night game for the first time since 2001. And also, for the second game in a row, Lonergan was beaten by a sensational strike, this time from Dutch midfielder Ferrie Bodde, who struck a 40 yard effort into the top corner.


CHAPLOW: Made the trip to Hillsborough a worthy one.

October started with yet another loss, this time away to Watford, who netted two conter attacking goals, after St.Ledger netted on 5 minutes for PNE. 2 weeks later and a first win in 5 for Preston, as Reading succumbed to the threatening frontline of Elliott and Parkin, who had picked up the nickname 'Beast' from the North End faithful. It was an own goal which brought PNE back into the game, but little striker Elliott pounced on a corner kick, dropped by Marcus Hahnemann, to give PNE a 2-1 win. It was back to the drawing board though, as twi straight losses occoured, to Plymouth and Sheffield United. These were really unexpected, and people were beginning to question Irvine's tactics, but he pulled a 2-0 win against Watford out of the bag, thanks to goals from Billy Jones, and a first goal of his PNE career for Ross Wallace.

November seemed to be starting well for PNE, as goals from Elliott and Jones gave them a 2-0 half time lead over Southampton at Deepdale, but the tides turned. Goals from Pearce and Surman in the space of 5 minutes gave the Saints every chance of winning the game, and David McGoldrick used his raw pace to skip several challenges in stoppage time, and fire past Andy Lonergan. That result didn't bring North End down though, as they went the rest of the month unbeaten. Chris Brown was the man on 2 minutes against Norwich, netting at his former ground, but Neil Mellor had to save North End from defeat, after Lita and Kennedy had put Norwich into the lead. This was followed by a derby day win at Bloomfield Road, as PNE defeated Blackpool 3-1 at their bombsite of a ground. A brace from Chris Brown, plus Neil Mellor's bullet from close range ensured their names were written into derby day folklore. Barnsley were the next to feel the wrath of PNE, as St.Ledger's late 25 yard strike sealed a 2-1 win over the Yorkshire side. Derby held PNE to a 2-2 draw at Pride Park 3 days later, and Preston rounded off the month with a 2-0 win over Bristol City, live on SKY, which was probably not a good idea, as the fog around Preston and the stadium meant you couldn't really see what was going on.

In PNE's last ever visit to Ninian Park at the start of December, Cardiff triumphed in a 2-0 win over the Lilywhites. Irvine ordered his troops to bounce back in midweek at home to Doncaster, and that they did, Parkin coming off the bench to net from close range, just 6 minutes after being introduced. Just two weeks after the SKY cameras had put on PNE's 2-0 win over Bristol City, they were back for the top 6 clash between PNE and Birmingham City. Like against Doncaster, it was Parkin who came off the bench to crown himself as the match winner. The Beast chested down Wallace's deep cross, and toepoked the ball past Maik Taylor. Late goals seemed to be the 'in thing' now in games involving PNe, but in this game it wasn't so good. Dexter Blackstock nodded QPR into a 3-2 lead with 4 minutes remaining, sending PNE just outside the play-off places. Games against Derby and Barnsley ended the month; a 2-0 win was secured against the Rams, but it took a moment of genious from Wallace to grab a 1-1 draw at Oakwell.


BROWN: Derby day goals made him a PNE hero.

The start of January brought great news for PNE fans, as Wallace signed permanently, his performances had been great in his loan spell and now it was made permanent, for around £400,000. PNE were dumped out of the FA Cup in the 3rd Round, right at the start of the month, but it's understandable, because Liverpool were the opponents. They stood their ground throughout the first half, but Riera powered the Reds into a 1-0 lead just before the break. St.Ledger's header was disallowed midway through the second half, after Parkin pinned Carragher to the ground int he build-up, before Torres tapped in Gerrard's pass. The following week, PNE kicked it up a notch against Wolves, and after they conceded a goal in the first 2 minutes to Ebanks-Blake, the tempo was picke dup in the second half, and a brace from ex-Wulf Elliott and a header from St.Ledger secured a monumental win against the league leaders. Another big win was secured the following week, a 2-1 win over local rivals Burnley, putting the torture and mocking over the Clarets' 3-1 win back in September behind them. Confidence was now sky high, but 3 days after the triumphant win, Swansea pummeled them 4-1 at the Liberty Stadium. Many thought another loss was on the cards in the last game of the month, at home to Ipswich, but North End pulled through, Elliott netting the winner late on.

Parkin carried on his impressive goalscoring form from December, netting the equalise rin February's first game against Plymouth, which ended 1-1. A great defensive performance saw PNE leave the Madjeski with a point, keeping out Kevin Doyle and co in a 0-0 draw. Parkin netted yet again in the next game against Norwich, the only goal in a 1-0 win over the Canaries. A week later, PNE were stunned at St.Mary's Stadium, as three first-half strikes, two from Marek Saganowski, sent PNE down by 3 goals to 1, with Wallace pulling one back with 18 minutes to go. They ended the month casually, with a 0-0 draw at Bramall Lane.

March started with two 2-1 losses, both away from home. An error by on-loan defender Andrew Davies was capitalised on by Robert Earnshaw, who smashed Forest's winner at the City Ground. Then 4 days later, despite going ahead through Billy Jones, the Whites went down to Crystal Palace, Neil Danns the difference maker in this one. The Beast, Parkin was on target yet again in the midweek game against Sheffield Wednesday, firing in a stoppage time equaliser past Lee Grant, and it was a mere few days later when Parkin struck again, as PNE came from behind to defeat Coventry City 2-1 at Deepdale. Like the last game of last month, 0-0 was the final score, this time at Charlton.


DAVIDSON: Smashed a pen past Jensen in the 2-1 win over Burnley.

The batteries were recharged over the international break, and the SKY cameras were on show again for Bristol City vs PNE at Ashton Gate. It was Frenchman Youl Mawéne who cancelled out prolific striker Nicky Maynard, but perhaps the lowest point of the season came the following week. 22,000 people crammed into Deepdale to watch PNE vs Blackpool; the West Lancashire Derby. The Kop was a sea of Tangerine, led by their noisy drummer, and they were ecstatic when their soon-to-be record signing Charlie Adam, on-loan from Rangers at the time, struck a shot in off the post, to send 3 sides of Deepdale silent, but behind one goal, the sound was deafening. This was definately the game where the fans gave up on their dreams of reaching the play-offs, which were far-fetched before the game anyway, 7 points behind Burnley, who were in 6th. A 2-0 win the following week over Doncaster strengthened hopes, but they were still slim. The final two games in April were crucial to win, but were the toughest they had all season. Cardiff looked to have already made the play-offs, only the most dramatic of slip-up's could cost them a place. A very dramatic slip-up happened. PNE thrashed the Bluebirds 6-0, and came to within 2 points of 6th. Cardiff were still ahead of PNE by 5 points. Birmingham away was next in the penultimate game of the season. Fahey's header put Birmingham ahead in the second half, crushing PNE's hopes. 3 minutes later, and a scrap between City's Bowyer and PNE's Williamson was seen by the linesman, and although Williamson seemed to be innocent, being pinned down to the ground, both recieved their marching orders, but without the charismatic midfielder, PNE fought on, and Paul McKenna's 30 yard strike gave them hope. The dreams of the fans hung on Ross Wallace's shoulders. He bent a 30 yard free-kick over the wall, but the ball struck the post, but bounced over the line, sending the PNE fans into raptures. Wallace was given a second booking for removing his shirt during his celebrating, so he and Williamson would miss the final, and crucial game of the league season against Q.P.R.

The scene was set. A beautiful day at Deepdale, and a Preston win, and if either Cardiff or Burnley slip-up, PNE were in the play-offs. It was a long shot, but you can dream, can't you? 19,000 fans were inside Deepdale, and saw PNE take th elead in the first-half. Radek Cerny's poor goal kick fell to the feet of Jon Parkin, who looke dto have taken it too far qide, but squeezed the ball in from the narrowest of angles. 1-0 it was, but a PNE old-boy spoiled the party. Agyemang popped up to smash a loose ball home on 56 minutes, and the hope was dying out. Burnley were thrashing Bristol City 4-0, and Cardiff were drawing 0-0 at Hillsborough. Suddenly, the news filtered through that Cardiff were behind thanks to a Jermaine Johnson goal, so just one PNE goal would do it. Parkin's long throw into the box on 74 minutes was flicked on by Chris Brown, and Sean St.Ledger emphatically leaped above Matt Connolly and nodded the ball into the top corner. Deepdale erupted, and once the final whistle went, the fans invanded the pitch in complete triumph. PNE had squeezed into the play-offs, not on points, or goal difference, but on goals scored. The 6-0 win against Cardiff 2 weeks ago made the difference, but what a time for Cardiff to have an off-day! PNE were now ready for the play-offs, where they took on Sheffield United.

The first leg was tense, with neither side looking to attack straight from the off, but PNE took the lead at Deepdale. Jones floated a free-kick into the box, Sheff Utd's Montgomery inadvertadly nodded the ball backwards, and with the quickest reactions of the pack inside the box, St.Ledger side-footed the ball home, and a goal which could've been crucial. PNE switched off after half-time though, and 30 seconds after the restart, Brian Howard smashed the ball with his trusty left-peg into Andy Lonergan's top corner. The scored stayed 1-1, which meant United had the home advantage for the second leg. 3,500 travelled to Sheffield, hoping that the Lilywhites would be the ones to walk out at Wembley, but the dream was shattered by Greg Halford. The 6'4'' right-back headed in Cotterill's cross in the 59th minute, subsequently sending the Blades to the play-off final, and sending PNE fans home heartbroken. Their team had grafted until the final game of the season, fought tooth and nail to get into the play-offs, and one goal had brought them back down to earth.


ST LEDGER: Nods in Brown's flick-on to send PNE into the play-offs.

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THE 2009/10 SEASON REVIEW


FERGUSON: New manager at North End after Irvine was sacked.

After last season's partial success, Preston wanted to make a statement, and by that they wanted to go one further, and reach the Premier League. Many fans hoped for some signings, but funds were tight during the Summer. Only Ipswich's Veliche Shumulikoski and Cardiff's Paul Parry, both with Championship & International were brought in for around a combined fee of £600k, but probably on high wages. Going out were Karl Hawley and Simon Whaley on free transfers, but perhaps the most surprising was the sale of influential captain, and local boy Paul McKenna. Nottingham Forest paid £750k for the 32-year old, linking up yet again with ex-PNE boss Billy Davies.

The season started, well, not so well. Bristol City at home was the first game of the season, and it didn't go too well at the start of the second half. Clarkson and Hartley netted to make it 2-0 to City, but late goals from Parkin, and a very late goal, 96 minutes to be precise, from Callum Davidson, rifling home from the spot. Then came a Lancashie derby against Morecambe in the League Cup. PNE sailed through by 5 goals to 1, but then it was back to the league, and another draw, this time away at Doncaster. Chris Brown thought he'd given Preston the win on 28 minutes, but defender Adam Lockwood volleyed home an equaliser with 10 minutes to go. PNE stayed in Yorkshire that weekend, and 3 days after the draw, they mauled Barnsley 3-0 at Oakwell, including a first PNE goal for Paul Parry sending the fans across the Pennines home happy. A first home win of the season followed against Peterborough, their full-back Charlie Lee was most vulnerable, as Mellor and Jones netted after crosses from the right wing. North End were also through to the 3rd Round of the Carling Cup with a 2-1 win over Leicester, and they ended the month with a 1-1 draw at Ipswich, Ross Wallace grabbing PNE's goal at Portman Road.

Last season, September was the time where North End started to lose ground on the leaders. They started the month well with a win over Swansea, but on the day star centre-back Sean St.Ledger made a loan move to divisional rivals Middlesbrough, the defence collapsed against little Scúnthorpe. Hotshot Gary Hooper grabbed a brace in that game, as the new pairing of Liam Chilvers and Youl Mawéne looked vulnerable at the back. PNE bounced back after this, and took their anger out on a shocked Coventry side, who went ahead through Sammy Clingan's stunning free-kick, but a brace from Neil Mellor set the tone for a 3-2 win over the Sky Blues. PNE were then thrashed in the 3rd Round of the League Cup against Premier League side Tottenham, with Peter Crouch bagging a hat-trick. PNE were eager to bounce back after this defeat, and defeated Leicester 2-1 at the Walkers Stadium, with Richard Chaplow sending the 600 travelling fans delirious with his second half goal. 3 days after their successes on the road though, PNe failed to defeat Reading, as goals from Church and Kebe were enough to seal a win for the Royals' underfire boss Brendan Rodgers.


MELLOR: Nets during a great night in Barnsley.

October started horribly, with a 4-0 loss to Q.P.R, and a goal of the season contender for Adel Taarabt. After a 2-1 away win against Sheffield Wednesday, the resident fatties (Mellor & Parkin) scoring, the bad form began. A draw to Middlesbrough might of been respectable, considering they had the in-form Adam Johnson. The game ended 2-2, and a week later, PNE were also held by Crystal Palace at Deepdale. Ross Wallace's beautiful free-kick put PNE ahead on 35 minutes, but Darren Ambrose's own special goal put Palace level two minutes later.

November was when the bad form really began to kick in and strike hard. There was only 3 games in this month, partly due to the first game being on the 7th, and there being a 2 week international break. Watford were the first to strike on North End with a 2-0 win at Vicarage Road. Newcastle then captured Deepdale thanks to a Kevin Nolan goal in front of the SKY cameras, cheered on by the 4,000 travelling Toon Army, but the month was ended on a neutral perspective, the West Lancashire Derby. With Burnley being promoted last season, Blackpool were the only local team left for Preston to face. The signs didn't look good for PNE at the start, with Blackpool's Billy Clarke opening the scoring within 30 seconds. Towards the end of the first half though, Ross Wallace curled a beauty of a free-kick into Matt Gilks' top corner. The goal sparked wild celebrations in the Golf Stand, the temporary stand at Bloomfield Road, and the celebrations from the fans caused one steward to be injured. The game ended 1-1, but either side could of took the 3 points.

Preston travelled to Cardiff, a place where they saw themselves lose 2-0 a year ago on the very same day, but this time, they visited the new Cardiff City Stadium. Chris Burke's piledriver from long range proved to be the decider in this game, and when PNE returned to Deepdale 3 days later to face Derby, they looked drained of energy, much like Derby, so it was no surprise the game ended 0-0. They then faced a side who were probably the only team worse than PNE in the league at the moment; Plymouth Argyle. It was Lancashire-man Paul Mariner's first game in charge for Argyle, but he didn't get off to the best of starts, as Chaplow and Wallace secured a 2-0 win for the Lilywhites. That proved to be Irvine's last win in charge of PNE, as losses away to Nottingham Forest (3-0) and Sheffield United (1-0) followed. But before the Sheffield United game, their was some controversy surrounding Sean St.Ledger. The Irish star moved to Middlesbrough on-loan in September, and was supposed to stay their until January 1st, and then sign a permanent deal. However, for reasons unknown, he decided to boycott the move and return to PNE. Last year's Player of the Season form never returned during the second half of the season, which led to a little demise of Preston North End.


CROUCH: On target three times at Spurs dumped PNEout of the League Cup.

There was also a shock on New Years Day, when Chairman Derek Shaw announced that Irvine had been sacked after a disasterous run of form. The chairman went on to say that 7 points out of the last possible 30 wasn't good enough, and he would be looking for a new manager straight away. This sent shockwaves throughout the Preston fans, who had a split mind on this decision. Many were glad to see the back of his boring football, while others think he was a master of grinding out reuslts. Shaw said he wants a manager who plays football the right way.

The right man wasn't found for the FA Cup tie with League One side Colchester United on January 2nd, so Assistant Manager Robert Kelly took over the reigns as Caretaker Manager, and what a job he did. North End were through to the 4th Round after thumping the U's 7-0, after goals from Brown, Sedgwick, Parkin (3), Carter and a Ben Williams own goal. A few days later though, and Shaw had made up his mind about the managerial vacancy, and handed Darren Ferguson with the job. The son of Manchester United gaffer Alex Ferguson was sacked as Peterborough boss in November, after not turning in the results required in the first part of the season, but majorly due to the fact that major shareholder of PNE, Sir Trevor Hemmings is good friends with Sir Alex, Darren became boss, and PNE forged a little partnership with Manchester United, in which Fergy Snr first loaned young midfielder Matty James to Deepdale. He didn't start in Ferguson's debut game against Bristol City, which ended in a 4-2 loss, but a few days later, another capture was announced, and this was a major one. Fergy Snr had decided to loan out wonderkid striker Danny Welbeck to North End so he didn't get too rusty sitting on the bench. Fans of PNE were delighted at this move, and were optimistic about the future, not even a 2-0 loss to Chelsea in the FA Cup could dampen the spirits. Ferguson got his 1st win as new boss 3 days later with a 1-0 win over his former side Peterborough. He got a good reception from the Posh fans, and it was Neil Mellor who gave Fergy Jnr a night to remember. Welbeck looked a little bit off the pace, but he netted with a sublime chip against Ipswuch Town as North End recorded their first home league win under Ferguson. There was also late transfer news on deadline day too. Keith Treacy signed from Blackburn Rovers (£150k) and Ferguson picked up a player from former club 'Boro, that is Paul Coutts, a young Scottish midfielder, for £700k.

February started with a body blow against Barnsley. The match was scheduled for Boxing Day but was postponed because the roads and pavements surrounding the ground were not deemed safe for ther public, but Barnsley were up for it tonight, and PNE made them look like Brazil, Mark Robins' team running out 4-1 winners. The PNE boys were clearly not focused in their Saturday game against Swansea, as the Welsh boys ran out 2-0 winners, but they were back on the ball against Sheffield United in another midweek game. Goals from Jon Parkin, and a first goal for Matty James, albeit deflected, gave Darren Ferguson a much needed boost for the rest of the month. Ferguson had his first taste of a local derby a few days later, when Blackpool and Ian Hollway, in his Del Boy-like jacket entered Deepdale, but both sides left with a point. Ross Wallace had a free-kick cleared off the line though, and Mawené headed DJ Campbell's lob onto the bar. PNE were sceptical in defence yet again, this time at Derby where they went down 5-3, then they lost 3-0 at Newcastle 4 days later. The Magpies were blowing everyone out of the water, and PNE were no exception. This was also the last game of the season for Danny Welbeck, who returned to Man Utd after picking up a knee injury. The final game of February ended in a win, despite going down to 10 men early in the second half. New signing Paul Coutts had been impressive so far, but was sent off for two silly bookings, however PNE benefitted on this, and Cardiff relexed a bit. Already a goal down thanks to Parkin's first half penalty, Parkin added again in the second half, and Brown did the same with a classy chip from a narrow angle to make the game safe at 3-0.


WELBECK: First goal for PNE a beauty vs Ipswich.

March started unluckily, as Plymotuh fought back to snatch a draw at Home Park, despite their equalising goal coming from the spot, Damien Johnson rolling the ball in after Matthew James was adjudged to have brought Jamie Mackie down in the box, looked a bit dubious but it was given. The North End faithful had to contend with another draw a few days later, and another cancelled Christmas match which was re-arranged, as Doncaster, a good, passing side held PNE to a 1-1 draw. However, a big win came on the 13th of March. PNE hosted Nottingham Forest, who, because of their position in the table, brought 3,000 fans along to Deepdale. They went home miserable though, as three first-half golas condemned them to defeat. Wallace netted first from a counter attack, Davidson blasted home from the spot after Morgan pulled down Billy Jones, and Matt James unleashed an unstoppable piledriver into the top corner. 3-0 at half time, but North End almost lost it during the second half, as goals from Blackstock (pen) and Earnshaw gave Forest a glimmer of hope, but it was PNE who hung on for the win. PNE did bottle it three days later though. Alan Irvine returned to PNE, this time as Sheffield Wednesday boss, but he saw his side go 2-0 behind after goals from Mellor and a first goal in English football for Coutts. Irvine fought like a warrior though, as goals from Miller and Tudgay sealed a point, but it was likely as North End's defence had looked shaky at times during the game. PNE went down 3-2 to title hopefuls West Brom at the Hawthorns 4 days later, and one of the goals was a stunning 35 yard free-kick by arguably one of the Championship players of the season, Graham Dorrans. In their 3rd midweek game of the month, Preston were defeated 2-0 at Middlesbrough, although very harshly as they were denied two stonewall penalties, and the month was ended by bottling another two-goal lead, this time against Q.P.R, drawing 2-2 against the West Londoners.

North End were now in a relegation battle with 6 games to spare, and each game was crucial. Fellow relegation contenders Watord visited Deepdale with 3 points on their mind, but could only salvage 1, as PNE's very defensive left-back Callum Davidson, who only usually nets from the spot, drifted forward to nod home his first outfield goal of the season, cancelling out Will Buckley's first-half opener. PNE lost out two days later to another relgation-contender, Crystal Palace, but the game marked a first PNE goal for winger Keith Treacy, who proved to be the winner in the game which ultimately sealed North End's position in the Championship. PNE yet against bottled a 2 goal lead, this time against S****horpe, but Treacy was on hand to curl the ball round Joe Murphy in stoppage time to seal their survival. The draw against Coventry and defeats against Leicester and Reading didn't really mean much to the fans, they were just glad to get a turbulent season out of the way, and just look forward to pre-season. Ferguson has already announced who he will retain and release, also announcing he wants to buy 8 players in the summer window, but do PNE have the funds to match his demands?


TREACY: Celebrating the goal which kept Preston in the division.

[PNE-Adz]

HAYES SIGNS THREE-YEAR-DEAL


HAYES: Was pivotal in Scunny's survival.

Preston North End have completed the capture of S****horpe United's Player of the Year, Paul Hayes.

The 26-year-old has agreed terms on a three-year-deal at Deepdale after becoming available under the Bosman ruling.

Hayes has been one of the Championship's top performers this season, scoring 13 goals and providing countless assists for one of the division's top scorers, Gary Hooper.

The striker was recently crowned Player of the Year at Glanford Park, enjoying his second spell at the club following time at Norwich, Barnsley and Huddersfield.

Speaking exclusively to PNE Player, the Londoner said: "I am very pleased to have this deal done, it has been in the press and kicking around for a long time and I am very pleased to be here now.

"The manager sold it to me. I've had a few meetings with managers from other clubs but as soon as I got here he has welcomed me and my family and the manager, Darren Ferguson sold it to me.

"The Club is very ambitious, with a very ambitious manager and I am at that point in my career where I need to push on with my career. I am hoping that this is the Club to take my career forward."

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OCTOBER RETURN FOR BAZ


NICHOLSON: Opened the fracture in his leg, in his first start since August.

Darren Ferguson is relieved after finding out the extent of Barry Nicholson's injury on the last game of the season against Reading.

Nicholson slightly opened up his fracture at the Madejski Stadium but the Preston manager expects the midfielder to be back in action again in October.

Speaking to pne.com, Ferguson said:

"He has just slightly opened up his fracture; it is not as bad as we thought it could be. We could have been looking at a similar timescale as before which would have been a disaster.

"We're looking at October time for him to get back to action and hopefully that will be the case. It is disappointing for Baz but he is a strong character. We have spoken about it on the weekend and he has just got to carry on with it."

Despite this latest setback, Ferguson insists that it wasn't a risk fielding the Scotsman in the reserves and in the first team before the end of the season. Ferguson said:

"There was no risk at all, the surgeon gave us the okay for him to play in the reserve game and I wanted to get him 45 minutes in the first team to give him a bit of confidence going into next season.

"It was a bit of a freak injury where his leg has given way under the other one and unfortunately he has opened up a little bit of the fracture.

"We have got to make sure that the rehab is spot on again as it was earlier. We've got to make sure that he is 100 percent; we got told by the surgeon that he was 100 percent but it has just been a freak injury. He has just really been unlucky Baz."

This will be a blow again for the Lilywhites with Ferguson looking to strengthen the team in midfield. However, with Nicholson possibly returning by October and Matty James on the verge of returning to Deepdale, the Gaffer already has good options at his disposal.

"We've got Coutts and Matty James coming back, Adam Barton and Barry Nic as our four, I want to add another couple to that anyway.

"But Barry will be fine, he knows what I think of him, one as a player and two as a lad in terms of his character and attitude. He is a good example to a lot of people at the Club."

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JAMES SIGNS, WELBECK MULLS


JAMES: Re-signs yet again on-loan.

Darren Ferguson has decided to extend Matthew James' loan for a whole season, but Danny Welbeck is still mulling over the offer of rejoining Preston, also on a season-long loan.

James netted twice from central midfield last season, once from 30 yards against Nottingham Forest, and earnt rave reviews, alongside his midfield partner, Paul Coutts.

Welbeck on the other hand had to cut short his loan spell after picking up a knee injury which required surgery. Welbeck scored a beautiful chip against Ipswich, and a poachers goal against Barnsley, but with rumours flying around that Premier League clubs are also interested in taking the 19-year old on loan, he's stalled on a move.

In outgoing transfer news, Darren Ferguson has found buyers for all 8 transfer-listed players.

Eddie Nolan rejoins Alan Irvine at Sheffield Wednesday, Neal Trotman has made his loan switch with Huddersfield permanent, likewise with Neill Collins, but he joins Leeds. Michael Hart has joined Hibernian, Darren Carter joins Collins at Leeds, Richard Chaplow has signed for Millwall, Irish striker Stephen Elliott has made his loan spell at Norwich permanent, and Neil Mellor has joined Barnsley for £500k. Ferguson was delighted at offloading the deadwood, which meant he could finally get on with building his own side.

"We have a very small squad now, but we have offloaded the deadwood, and the tax bill has been payed. Trevor Hemmings (new chairman) has told me he will give me the funds I need to create my perfect team, hopefully all deals will be completed before we kick off the season on August 7th."

[PNE-Adz]

7 SIGN, INCLUDING THE 'FONZ'


LE FONDRE: Returns to the North-West with PNE.

Darren Ferguson had been weigning up his options for some time, and in the space of 2 weeks, the PNE boss has completed the signings of 7 players.

The first player captured was striker Adam Le Fondre from Rotherham. After the Millers were defeated in the League Two play-off final by Dagenham & Redbridge, the Fonz admitted he needed to move to a bigger club to further his career. Two clubs were interested, Barnsley and PNE. Le Fondre rejected the chance to stay in Yorkshire, instead returning closer to his roots, making the £1M switch to PNE.

This signing meant the Danny Welbeck deal failed to be completed, but PNE did nab centre-back Craig Cathcart from Man Utd on a season-long loan, with Sir Alex Ferguson helping his son out considerably with this move. A day later at another centre-back was announced to have signed, this time it was 21-year old Manny Smith who signed from Walsall for £250k.

Also, with the relegation of his former club Peterborough, Ferguson was able to capture Lee Frecklington, a midfielder he bought for the Posh last season from Lincoln City. He originally signed for Peterborough on loan at the end of the 2008/09 season as emergency cover for the centre of midfield, but he impressed Darren Ferguson, so he made the move permanent in the summer. Ferguson raided his former side 6 months ago for another centre-midfield, Paul Coutts, and he's been one of PNE's star performers in the second half of the season, so if 'Freckers' turns out to be half as good, the PNE fans should be pleased.

Fergy Jnr also raided another relegated club, Watford, for right-back Lee Hodson. The 18-year old was the standout performer in a dismal Hornets side last season, but Preston have beaten considerable opposition for his signature. Another defender signed was Manchester City left-back Ryan McGivern. The blonde-haired 20-year old has signed for PNE on a season-long loan, providing cover for Callum Davidson at left-back.

The final transfer is that Albert Adomah, Barnet's explosive 22-year old winger has signed for PNE on a Bosman Transfer. The winger who was playing in Non-League a few years ago has welcomed the chance to play in a higher league, assuring Preston fans he'll put in the performances necessary to lift them up the table this season.