North End have had a traumatic month. The fixture list was not kind but there was still a possibility that Preston might challenge for a top six position if they could reignite their impressive form prior to the international break.
The season all but ended with a defeat to a hard working Sheffield United side followed by a Leeds side with two goals from Bamford. The two games showed how far Preston had to go if they wanted to be serious contenders for promotion in future seasons.
With the season practically over Preston headed for Gentry Day in what turned out to be one of the most tumultuous weekends of the past few seasons.
Rumpurs in the build up suggested that West Brom were set to approach Neil over the vacant manager's position at The Hawthorns. This never materialised but the players were affected and went down to a 4-1 drubbling thanks to a Gayle hat-trick with only a late Robinson consolation.
The following day Neil committed his future to Preston by signing a three year deal at the club. This will not prevent potential approaches in the future but the cynics will simply suggest it gives Preston a better bargaining position in any compensation negotiations should Neil eventually go.
The Good Friday game provided some relief as Preston thumped Ipswich by four goals with the visitors heading to League One. Robinson and Nmecha shared a brace each as Preston rarely got out of first gear.
The fun was then over on Easter Monday as Preston put in a sub par performance away at relegation threatened Wigan. After being in charge for the opening ten minutes a cross was not cleared allowing Clarke a simple tap in.
North End were reduced to ten men when Ledson went for a bouncing ball with a high boot. In fairness he slipped whilst catching his opponent. The referee was inconsistent when Morsey could have easily been sent off for two yellow cards in the second half after he committed a second foul.
Preston did dominate the start of the second period but failed to score. Once againt he lack of a real goal threat shone through. Wigan then sealed all three points with a shot from Evans.
North End have to make significant improvements in some areas if they are to be considered a challenger for the play offs next season. Consistency will be key for the defence as they had an off day yesterday but clearly Preston are missing that key attacker to hold the line.