Last season's struggles didn't reflect efforts says captain, after solid start

PNE captain Ben Whiteman firmly believes everything is in place for the club to have a strong season.

- by George Hodgson

Ben Whiteman battles for possession with Charlton Athletic's Sonny Carey in the recent Deepdale victory for PNE

The Lilywhites sit fourth in the Championship table, with 16 points collected from nine games.

PNE stayed up on the final day of the previous campaign after a late dart towards the drop.

Now, manager Paul Heckingbottom has overhauled the squad and is pushing Preston on.

While North End's No.4 - who has started every league game so far - is very much looking forward, he remains adamant that Preston's performances across 2024/25 were not worthy of leaving them relegationthreatened.

The feeling around Deepdale now is very different, though, and Whiteman is embracing it.