With the disappointment of the play off final defeat to West Ham still looming large in the memory of not only the fans but the players and management it was no surprise that North End could only muster two wins in seven when North End started the new season in August.
September was no better for Billy Davies boys with only one win in five games. Preston North end were languishing in 13th place whilst Reading and Sheffield United had already established their places at the top end of the league; a place they would keep till the end of the season.
It was the 3-0 defeat to Luton Town away that would then mark a key moment in Preston North End's season. North End went on an amazing 25 game unbeaten run which led them into the fifth round of the FA Cup and also left PNE in the play off places. The run ended at the hands of Middlesbrough in the FA Cup and defeat soon followed at the hands of Leroy Lita and Reading away at the cold, windy Madejski Stadium.
Billy Davies was honoured with manager of the month at the end of January as he had led his team to four wins and one draw in the month of January. A 3-0 win away to recently relegated Norwich City had its consequences as former Northender Dickson Etuhu collided with Adam Nowland breaking his leg which ended his season. Wins then followed against lowly Crewe, Millwall and local rivals Burnley away at Turf Moor. A draw against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup forced a replay. Palace then returned to Deepdale days later where they were beaten by Billy Davies's side.
March would be a big month for Preston North End football club. The ever so reliable captain fantastic Chris Lucketti did the unthinkable and wanted a move away from North End. Billy Davies had no other option than to let him move to Neil Warnock's Sheffield United on loan with a view to a £300,000 deal at the end of it. Lucketti moved for more money, for a better chance of first team football and the chance of playing Premiership football should Sheffield United clinch promotion.
Tuesday the 14th of March marked a momentous night in North End's season. David Nugent going for a hat trick against Ipswich Town fell to the ground clenching his foot. Nugent lay slumped on the muddy Deepdale turf and the expression on the fans faces was one of despair. Nugent had 10 goals to his name before he was struck down with a broken metatarsal. Things looked bleak for North End as Nugent was the clubs best striker with the most goals. North End laid in sixth place with a realistic chance of reaching the play offs but the goals would have to come from elsewhere if North End were going to have another shot at promotion.
North End were only then beaten once in their last thirteen games at the hands of lowly Sheffield Wednesday. It was a dire performance at Hillsbrough with goals coming from Deon Burton and Burton O Brien which left North End in sixth place only one point clear of Wolves who were occupying seventh place.
North End weren't the most prolific in front of goal but they weren't kind at the back either. North End were involved in 11 goalless draws and boasted the best defensive record in the Championship, with the reliable rearguard partnership of Claude Davis and Youl Mawene denying most teams goal scoring opportunities.
North End clinched their place in the play off's in April when Wolves and Cardiff City's campaign went off the boil and Preston notched up 6 wins and one draw in seven games, again giving Billy Davies's the accolade as manager of the month.
The final game of the season saw the return of some former Preston players. Kevin Blackwell's side were to be taught a footballing lesson as he fielded a weakened side and paid the price as North End crushed Leeds with goals from Brian Stock and Brett Omerod. It was later established that North End would then have to play Leeds again twice in the play off semi finals.
North End travelled with a huge army of Lilywhite fans to Elland Road where they outmatched the poor support from the Leeds faithful. David Nugent had returned from injury and went on an incredible run where he dribbled past the Leeds defence and slotted the ball into the back of the net sending the North End fans into raptures. Leeds then equalised through a thoroughly controversial free kick executed by former North End favourite Eddie Lewis. Despite Graham Alexander back tracking to head the ball away from its intended location Leeds equalised and the final score finished 1-1 going into the second leg on the Monday night.
North End failed to make their home advantage count and North End paid the price when Billy Davies left out Jason Jarrett and fielded Marcus Stewart with Brett Omerod, the ineffectual Danny Dichio and David Nugent. A tactical nightmare of four strikers took to the field and North End went on to lose the game 2-0, 3-1 on aggregate.
Leeds had made it to the final where they lost, sorry were thrashed 3-0 to Watford who secured promotion to the Premier League. The majority of North End fans were delighted.
Friday the 2nd of June would then again mark a momentous occasion for Preston North End football club. Manager Billy Davies who had failed to impress at Charlton Athletic opted for a big money move to Derby County. What can only be described as a manager out for all he can get was given the job at Pride Park. Billy Davies had rejuvenated the club from the dire management of Craig Brown and instilled a bit of pride back into the club, raised the expectation level, put us twice on the brink of the Premiership despite huge adversity from strict financial restraints. He leaves the club manager less with a fantastic squad which could be the subject of rumour and speculation. Only time will tell, will Derek Shaw appoint the right man? Will Ned Kelly be offered the managerial vacancy at North End or will he join Billy Davies? Will the squad be torn apart again? What will next season have in store? Again only time will tell. Here's to next season.
Luke Gale