The Underdogs
PNE's underrated squad has not being overachieving. That's the view of Preston North End goalkeeper Andy Lonergan, a keeper who was regarded as the Championship's top stopper according to the stats last season.
Lonergan was back in training this week ahead of the much anticipated 2009/10 campaign and despite a summer of speculation the only change to the squad was the departure of his best mate Chris Neal. The lack of transfer activity though is something which has not surprised the Preston born keeper.
"It doesn't surprise me at all," Lonergan said as North End continued their trend of avoiding big name departures.
"I think a lot of our players are underated, I'm seeing players moving from the Championship for big money and I think we have got as good, if not better, players in this team, but they never get mentioned about anything and I suppose that is good for us at Preston.
"People at the Club have probably had other priorities over the last few weeks but that doesn't stop anyone working. Speaking to my agent and he agrees that nothing really has happened apart from the big spenders, everyone has been away in June so I think it will all kick off now.
"I think if anything is going to happen it will happen. There's no point getting worked up on speculation, that's all it is."
The main speculation over the past few weeks has been the future of manager Alan Irvine and Lonergan admits that he is delighted that the Gaffer is remaining at Deepdale. The custodian will now be aiming to be the Championship's overachievers, a tag he keen to steer away from.
He said: "I am so happy that he [Alan Irvine] is staying, hopefully we can build on last season even though it will be tough. The Gaffer said to us at the end of last season that it is not easy to build on success, you look at the likes of Charlton and Watford who had one season up in the Play-Offs and underachieved last season.
"Just because we finished in the top six last year it doesn't mean that we will do it again this year, we need to work hard and earn that opportunity.
"I think at Preston we are always expected to do well and most years we have been up there. To say we overachieve is doing a bit of a disservice to the players and the management, we have got some good players. We haven't got a big squad and we don't spend a lot of money which might suggest that we are overachieving but I don't think we are."
Last season saw North End reach the Play-Offs only to be defeated by Sheffield United and with the Lilywhites seemingly jinxed in the Play-Offs system, some are suggesting that PNE would be better served aiming for the top two. Lonergan sees no reason why not, regardless he'll be aiming to the Championship's No.1 keeper yet again, Actim Index having him as the top rated stopper in the division last year.
"Why not aim higher?" Lonergan said as he contemplated what would be a ninth crack at the Play-Offs.
"We go out to win every game, so hopefully we can go on and do that, we won't go undefeated but the target has to be to win as many games as possible.
"Personally I've got high standards to maintain every season and the Actim recognition is something that I was happy with.
"It was brought to my attention around Christmas time and it kind of played on my mind thinking that I had let in a few. But stats are stats and they don't lie, people's opinions may change but the stats are there and I am happy with it."
One thing that will definitely change for Lonergan is his room-mate for away trips, best mate and fellow keeper Chris Neal having moved to Shrewsbury Town the day after pre-season training started. Despite losing his buddy, Lonergan is delighted that Neal is getting a chance to show what he can do.
"I'm made up for him that he has gone, it is a fantastic opportunity for him. He's going to be playing first team football and I don't think he will be spending too long in League Two.
"I am going to miss him, he's one of my best mates, he's my room-mate, a quality keeper. Not a lot of people know anything about him but I have worked with him day-in-day-out and I know how good he is. I hope he has success and I am sure he will.
"I understand the position that he and Wayne were in, myself included, you want to play football. I think Chris got to the point where he was going to probably have a chat with the Gaffer this week, but the Gaffer called him and one thing lead to another.
"He needs to play football, it's nothing against anyone here, it's just the best thing for him and I am buzzing for him."
