Each day, PNE will be previewing all of their league opponents in the build up to the new campaign - and the curtain raises against fellow founder members of the football league, Notts County.
Founded:1862
Nickname: The Magpies
Manager: Shaun Derry
Stadium: Meadow Lane
Last season: 20th in League One
Signings so far: Alan Smith, Taylor McKenzie, Liam Noble, Hayden Mullins
Fixtures: Saturday 9th August, Deepdale
Saturday 14th February, Meadow Lane
The opening day clash will surely prove to be a worthy test for Simon Grayson’s men, with the Magpies looking to build on a terrific end to the season despite at one point, staring relegation full in the face during the previous campaign.
Current manager Shaun Derry took over the Magpies in November with the club languishing at the foot of the table, but the former Leeds man took the club under his wing and managed to steer them to safety.
North End’s 1-0 win against Notts County at Meadow Lane last season marked the end of Chris Kiwomya’s reign at the Nottinghamshire club in October with the former boss leaving his post a day after PNE’s win.
And Preston took maximum points off the Magpies in the corresponding fixture at Deepdale in February as goals from Joe Garner and Craig Davies ensured North End saw off Shaun Derry’s men in a 2-0 win.
However, a full campaign under the 36-year-old after his previous exploits will not be taken lightly by opposing teams - County amassed six wins from their last nine games to protect their League One status, and if Derry can replicate that form going into the new term as well as getting the best out of his new signings, who knows what the future holds for the Magpies this season.
.hereIf you fancy Derry to continue his terrific work, SkyBet have County at 40/1 to get promoted this year - just follow the link
Route to Meadow Lane from Deepdale stadium.