Greg Cunningham is looking forward to the start of preseason later this month after recovering from a fracture to his leg.
Cunningham suffered the injury back in April and has been working hard to ensure he is ready for the preparations ahead of the new campaign.
Speaking to PNE.Com, Greg said: “I've been to see the specialist a few times now. He's given me the all clear to crack on with my off season programme so I'll be fully fit for pre season.
“In the grand scheme of things I’ve only ended up missing three games so if an injury can come at a good time then that was probably it.
“It’s given me enough time to recover over the summer and make sure I’m back level with the rest of the boys when we report back at the end of June.”
Having overcome his injury, Greg’s focus has turned to the new season ahead and the challenges that will bring.
“It’s going to be another tough season, the league keeps getting stronger and stronger as the years go on with the teams coming down from the Premier League and some good teams coming up from League One.
“It’s getting tougher but every year we're accepting that challenge and looking forward to it.
“We’ve shown how well we've done to get a top half finish in our first year back in the Championship and to back it up with the same again is an incredible achievement for us.
“We've put the marker down for our first two seasons back and we want to hit the ground running and get off to a better start that would put is in a good position - or give us an opportunity - to get even closer to those play off places.
“We'll be looking to go one better and try and finish higher and get closer to those play offs.
“There's a lot of big teams in the division but we don't go out on the pitch fearing anyone we’re more than capable holding our own in the division like we've shown. We always say when we go on that pitch it’s 11 against 11.”
Greg was full of praise for the Deepdale faithful and stressed their importance in the effect they have on the team. His most memorable moment of the season coming against eventual winners Arsenal in the FA Cup.
“It’s vital, we've had some great home support this season.
“The crowd was exceptional. It really made the difference for us to go so close to getting that replay against the FA Cup winners.
“But we scored a lot of late goals this season and a lot of it is down to the fans. At times when were pushing and pushing for that goal they're really the 12th man to make it happen for us and I think its very important.
“I think the fans are great and it is important to us and it means so much to us to get down in numbers to support us this season and we'll try and do as best we can for the club on the pitch.”
Speaking about PNE's season ticket campaign Generation Deepdale, where U11s can go free, the Irishman continued: “I do feel at times that football matches have been out priced now and its very expensive for a family to go to games because it is expensive.
“But I think the club has taken a positive approach on allowing kids under 11 to come in for free to get the next generation down.
“It’s great for kids to come down and get out of the house and watch their local side play and hopefully we can do it justice for the fans that come down to watch us.”
You can support Greg and the boys at Deepdale this coming season by purchasing a 2017/18 season ticket. Full details can be found by clicking here.