Last season’s top goalscorer Joe Garner is still hurting from the play-off defeat but believes that the experience could be a vital part of this season’s promotion push.
North End will be hoping to make a bid for automatic promotion in the 2014/15 season after a play-off exit at the hands of Rotherham in May. But Joe Garner wants to put it behind them and use it as motivation.
“It still hurts, I think that will last forever really, but there is always next year when we will look to put that behind us and use it to help us get promotion this year because I think we can use it next year as motivation.
“However much it hurts it makes you even more determined to succeed next year and that’s what we plan to do.”
“The whole team are very motivated for next season, I think that’s what we need as a Club, and it’s where we should be.” The 26-year-old continued.
“We had a good season last year but we have got to kick on this year and try to get promotion.
“The fans were fantastic last season, away and at home and hopefully they will turn out again this year and get behind us and help us achieve our goal together.”
Garner had the most prolific season of his career during the last campaign, scoring 24 goals in all competitions for the Lilywhites, and as a striker he is looking for more of the same next season.
“Personally, my goals are similar to every year, as a striker, you are more or less judged on your goals.
“I got quite a few last year and I will be doing all that I can to replicate the number of goals from last season, hopefully more.”
One goal that will live in the memory of many North End fan is his goal scored against Rotherham in the play-off semi-final first leg at Deepdale. To score such a goal in front of a stand he often sat in as a young Preston fan was a special moment for the striker.
“It was a great moment for myself, obviously I used to sit in the town end as a fan. To score a goal like that in front of the Town End is a really nice feeling and something I will remember for a long time.”
If you want to be a part of what could be a memorable season don’t forget that there are just nine days left to get your season ticket at the launch prices and to retain your Ambassador status, with the deadline being Saturday 21st June. To find out more call the ticket office on 0844 856 1966 or click here.
To get you looking forward to the next season, you can watch every one of Joe Garner’s 24 goals from the 2013/14 season again by watching the video below.