Replacing Riis won't be a straightforward task

You couldn't help but be hooked on initial viewing, when stadiums were silent and the Preston North End faithful had to watch Emil Riis on a television screen.

- by George Hodgson

While, over the years, you became accustomed to the Dane's unique quirks and intricacies, that intrigue never disappeared for good.

Watching Riis was an event in itself; the mad and magnificent always on the cards during his 46 goals in 186 appearances.

It was three games in, at QPR, where excitement started to bubble before he was outstanding as the Lilywhites edged Huddersfield Town in an enthralling encounter.

Game seven saw him grab goal one at Reading and, though he finished with just three that campaign, he wasted no time with fans back in attendance.

While Riis never managed to replicate his 20-goal season in that first full year, his threat remained.