It’s been a regular thing for Simon Grayson of late, he turns up in technical area unsure who he is going to present his hand to!
Four of the last five opponents have decided to change their manager before facing the Lilywhites, the managers of our next few opponents must be putting their tin hats on.
For Reading, Steve Clarke was dismissed after their home defeat to QPR, just weeks after sitting second in the table behind unbeaten Brighton & Hove Albion, but for the PNE boss, it is just a case of business as usual.
“We go into a game a little bit unclear on their management situation for a change!” He joked ahead of the visit of the Royals.
“This is the fourth time in five games it has happened and whether or not they appoint is something we put to the back of our minds. We have to try and prepare to the best we can.
“We look and analyse everything they have done over the last few weeks. If a new man comes in, does he change anything? Probably not too much, but it is about what we try and do. We need to not let it affect us – when we have over the last few weeks played Fulham and QPR we have done well and this weekend will be no different. We will work on what we need to do.
“We know they have got some good players – it is only six weeks since they were second in the division after a great run. They have lost their way a little bit, but that is the Championship – you win a couple of games it can take you up the division very quickly and lose a couple and you drop back down.
“They are a good team with some good players and good individuals, but we are on a high after the results that we have had recently.”
Grayson’s side are looking for consecutive wins for the first time this season and he believes that a good run of results can mean a significant change in outlook.
“In any division that you are involved in, if you can get back-to-back wins it can move you up the division very quickly,” he continued.
“Look at the table last weekend – we got a good result and we didn’t move – it’s about getting consistency and trying to get more wins.
“Three wins together would be a fantastic achievement in the Championship, but we must approach Saturday’ game first and then the Birmingham game after that and need to be focused on trying to achieve those back-to-back victories.”