Odds: 16/1



Last Five Seasons

2005/06 - 4 (Championship), 2004/05 - 5 (Championship), 2003/04 - 15 (Championship), 2002/03 - 12 (Championship), 2001/02 - 8 (Championship).

2005/06 Cup Progres

FA Cup Fifth Round vs Middlesbrough (h) - lost 2-0.

Carling Cup First Round vs Barnsley (h) - lost 5-4 on penalties with the score at 2-2 after extra time.

Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: David Nugent (striker) - 11 goals.

Players In

Danny Pugh (Leeds United - ?250,000), Sean St Ledger (Peterborough United - ?225,000), Liam Chilvers (Colchester United - Free)

Players Out

Claude Davis (Sheffield United - ?2,500,000), Tyrone Mears (West Ham United - ?1,000,000) Chris Lucketti (Sheffield United - ?300,000), Gavin Ward (Tranmere Rovers - Free), Richie Baker (Bury - Free).

Preston North End have suffered play off heartbreak in the last two Championship seasons and go into the new campaign with a new manager in charge following Billy Davies' decision to join Derby County. Carlisle United manager Paul Simpson, who enjoyed successive promotions with the Cumbrians, took over at Deepdale in the summer.

Simpson made Leeds United winger Danny Pugh his first signing after his contract expired at Elland Road. Due to the player's age, Leeds were entitled to a fee and the amount could rise to ?250,000 depending on appearances. Former Manchester United youngster Pugh made 51 appearances for the club following his switch as part of the deal that took striker Alan Smith to Old Trafford.

Following the departures of Claude Davis and Chris Lucketti to Sheffield United for a combined ?2.8 million and Tyrone Mears to West Ham United for ?1 million, Simpson has been quick to fill the gaps left in defence. Former Arsenal trainee Liam Chilvers rejected a new deal at promoted Colchester United to sign for Preston on a free transfer after two seasons at Layer Road.

Highly rated Peterborough United defender Sean St Ledger arrived for an initial fee of ?225,000, which could eventually reach ?350,000. The 21 year old signed a three year contract following a training spell at Birmingham City earlier in the summer.

Striker Daniele Dichio looks set to remain at the club despite interest from Brighton & Hove Albion. The former Queens Park Rangers, Sampdoria, Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion striker failed to score a single league goal in over 30 appearances since joining from Millwall last summer.

Verdict

A difficult one to call. Without a change of manager Preston would be a strong contender for automatic promotion but it depends on how well new boss Paul Simpson adapts to life in the Championship. Preston are one of the most solid teams in the division and should make the play offs again.