Alan Browne is looking forward to seeing hundreds of Preston North End fans return to Spain this week to watch the Lilywhites take on Bruno’s Magpies.
In 2022, a remarkable number of PNE supporters arrived at the Campoamor base to watch their side take on Getafe, and after the match the lads mixed with the supporters and took a photograph to capture the moment.
That picture ended up on the road with North End throughout the 2022/23 season, and the moment could be replicated on Wednesday when a similar number of fans are set to arrive at Pinatar Arena for the 5pm kick-off.
“I think the game being in a stadium’s probably a bit better for them,” Browney told iFollow PNE.
“But for us to see them coming off the buses in their hundreds was class.
“I’ve been here ten years and I’ve ever seen anything like it so it was brilliant and it was class to meet some people after.
“We have a picture that the gaffer’s printed off that he takes to every game with us just to show how much the fans go out their way for us and what the club means to them.
“It really shows the togetherness of us and them. I know it’s tough at times and it’s not always there, but the gaffer brings that picture everywhere just to remind us.
“It’ll be good to see them again this year and hopefully it’ll be a good game.”
Out in Spain, the lads have been put to work under intense conditions in the 30-plus degree weather.
While admitting it’s been difficult and describing the morning sessions as a “killer”, the North End skipper is just pleased to be back after missing the end of the 2022/23 season through injury.
“It was tough,” he admitted. “It came at a horrible time where we were really pushing but I was gutted to miss the last few games of the season.
“I just cracked on and got myself back fit. I’m probably still not fully there but I’ll keep working on it each day and hopefully by the first game of the season I’ll be 100%.
“It’s brilliant to be back. It’s a relief more than anything, having had such a tough summer of sitting back, having to watch not just training but games as well.
“Games are really tough for me just to sit back and watch. I wanted to just be out there affecting it, so it’s good to be back now and I’ll be doing my best to stay fit and stay on top of the injury that I did have and try to get myself in the team.”