The first season was always going to be a strange one inheriting a largely strong squad but being immediately on the back foot losing two key defenders followed by a third through injury and a whole host of backroom staff.
A year on and Preston's worries more or less remain the same though in different areas. Instead of fretting over who would fill the coaching and defensive duties the start of this season sees us casting an eye over the vacant midfield and striking spots.
The midfield has been a worry since the turn of the year. In his time Simpson has reduced the number of midfield players at the club with Stock and Mccormack departing whilst Jarrett and Nowland are transfer listed, out of favour and don't seem to be getting a look in. The end of last season saw Mckenna injured with a whole host of players filling the vacant central positions. One of those places is filled by Kevin Nicholls signed from Leeds who in the mould of Brian O'Neill who we missed heavily, will break up opposition attacks helping the back four.
Simpson is desperately searching for a body alongside Nicholls with Mckenna out until October and in particular a creative player who was badly missed since February time with Mckenna being out.
Up front may cause some concern with the inevitable departure of England international David Nugent but his boots throughout the season will be filled by Neil Mellor who is more than capable of equalling Nugent's tally if he stays fit for the majority of the season. Simpson is still light of options up front though with Mellor, Agyemang, Hawley and Ormerod all prone to different injuries of varying kinds.
At the back Preston appear to be more solid with Mr Dependable Youl Mawene returning after a year out. New signing billy Jones is likely to challenge lexander in his last season at the club whilst Chilvers and St. Ledger will now be fighting over one remaining spot next to Mawene. Player of last season Matt Hill will be hoping to continue his good form although a fully fit Callum Davidson should provide stiff competition.
Between the sticks will be interesting this season as Lonergan will try to wrestly the shirt back from Henderson with the Nash affair now behind the club.
In all honesty Preston probably have a slighlty weaker squad than last year going into the first game with the departure of Nugent being levelled out by the return of Mawene. The new signings are nothing out of the ordinary and should be solid but if Preston are to repeat the final placing of last season then there will have to be some stern displays from youngsters such as Whaley and St. Ledger as well as some fine finishing from Mellor.
Simpson wil be judged more on this season than last as he has had the opportunity to bring in players. If the season starts badly with injuries to key players then Preston could see themselves in a fight come the second half of the season. In reality Preston should have enough to be comfortable in mid-table with other teams not as strong fighting it out at the bottom. As for promotion it appears that our summer spend equates nothing when we look at Wolves and Leicester with the three Premiership clubs dropping down Preston will have to be spectacular to say the least if they are to be anywhere near the top two.