PNE winger Lee Holmes claims that while it is frustrating watching other sides secure promotion, it only serves to inspire him further as he looks forward to 2013/14.
The 26-year-old watched on as Bradford City, Yeovil Town and Crystal Palace all sealed their climb up the Football League ladder through the Play-Offs but insists their victories only make his hunger for success with the Lilywhites even greater.
“Seeing the celebrations and what they’ve been through to get there, you obviously want to experience that and be part of something as exciting as it,” he said.
“It is inspiring to kick on next season and make sure you’re part of that. It’s nice in some respects but it can be a little bit annoying because it makes you want to be there.”
One team’s promotion to League One poses a sentimental reunion for Holmes, having spent time at Bradford as a 19-year-old. And the prospect of playing his former side in the 2013/14 season is one he is looking forward to.
“It’ll be nice to go back to Valley Parade, it’s a great stadium to play in,” he said. “It’s just nice to have them in this league so hopefully we can go there and get three points.
“They’re a massive club with a great fan base and a massive stadium. They should never have been down in that league to begin with.
“But they’ve done amazingly well to not only get promoted but go to the cup final. It’s a massive credit to the manager and the players there.”
Meanwhile, Holmes has praised the PNE fans and revealed how their excitement for the new campaign has filtered through to the players as they prepare to start pre-season training in a few weeks’ time.
“Next season it’s a case of everyone knowing what we want to do and what we want to achieve,” he added.
“We need to put that into action now, with everything we do, to get ourselves into a position where anything can happen next season.
“You want to be part of something special and I think it’s been a case, since the new manager came in, of us picking up and finishing the season in pretty good shape.”
“The fans really helped us at home and, in some games, we put on a good show. It’s a credit to them how well we’ve been supported away and at home. It’s a privilege to play for them and Preston North End.”
And Holmes has highlighted Simon Grayson’s thorough off-season training programme as a key part of his preparation for the new campaign.
“We were in contact with the manager just after the season finished. He gave us all programmes so we’ll stick to them and come back in preseason in decent shape.”
But the winger isn’t stopping there and insists he will set himself a number of personal targets for next season as he looks to better himself and the team.
“I’ll sit down personally and set some near and long term goals. I want to get better and be part of a side that gets promotion,” he concluded.
“I’ll do everything I can to get back pre-season in the best shape of my life and take on everything the manager has to tell us.”