First, I can only turn to matters on the field as Preston failed to score away from home in a league game again as well as shipping three goals in the process.
If you were plotting a path of Preston's season then it has been on a downward curve this after the opening game. North End are toothless in attack and have become defensively exposed.
Neil reverted to his usual formation last night. He admits he doesn't know his best eleven and last night again there were numerous changes. The lack of consistency helps no one and especially players who are out of form.
The problem with Neil's game plan is that it is simplistic. He plays with three attackers across the pitch and asks for high energy pressing. Last season, whilst Preston did concede, they were always likely to score.
This season Preston rarely look like scoring and due to this their defensive weaknesses have been exposed. The lack of investment in a striker is only part of the problem. The tactics and defensive shape is another.
In order for Preston to climb up the table it is now time to go back to basics and grind out results, especially away from home. North End are dismal to watch defensively and conceded to anyone and everyone.
Last night Preston did have decent possession in the first twenty minutes. Sadly it is a recurring theme of nice football up to a point but no clinical finishing. Robinson, not a striker, had the best chance for the visitors which was well saved.
Sadly a game lasts for ninety minutes and once Preston had run out of steam and ideas the home team took control. It could have been several more goals as Preston's back line was cut open.
For the record, Leeds took the lead in the first half from a corner where questions will be asked. Cooper headed home when Preston should have done better.
Roberts was then played clean through late on to lob over Rudd and then added another before the final whistle. In reality it could have been double and Neil is now under immense pressure to turn things around.
Neil was aware of the limitations in budget. He brought in players early in the summer who he now appears to have lost confidence in. The loan players don't really get a look in and lack of consistency with selection is only a sign of panic.
Preston have a difficult few weeks coming up. It is true that seasons have started badly before especially in the Championship under Grayson but there was always a plan to be defensive and pick up points where necessary before the draws would eventually turn into wins.
Whilst this team has more talent that the previous relegation side the way that they are shipping goals is a resemblance to the way Darren Ferguson lost his job at the club. I hope Alex Neil can ressurect things and soon.