Manager Ryan Lowe says the training ground has been “bouncing” ahead of this weekend’s Gentry Day trip to Middlesbrough.
The Lilywhites will make the journey over to the Riverside Stadium for a Saturday 3pm kick-off to see in the international break, having taken all three points in midweek against Rotherham United, which extended the unbeaten run to seven games.
Last season’s Gentry Day was capped off with a superb 3-1 victory over Barnsley at Oakwell, as the players and manager put on their bowler hats and paid respect to the North End faithful who are no longer with us.
On the occasion, Ryan said: “We’re very excited for the game and to have that extra bit of a special moment with it obviously being Gentry Day is good for our fans.
“We think of the ones that aren’t with us anymore and we want to make it a special day, of course.
“We know that especially with it being a Gentry Day and there’s no trains – they have to get coaches, drive, probably pay drivers to take them – the ones who want to have a drink and whatnot – so we respect that massively and it’s up to us then to put on a performance, to make sure that we send them home happy.”
As the team look to continue their impressive form going into the weekend, the gaffer has noticed that the good vibes are on display around the training ground and there is a real competitiveness from the players to push for a place in the starting XI.
Ryan said: “The place is bouncing. It’s lively but without getting too carried away.
“There’s smiles on their faces and the lads are champing at the bit to go again.
“Training’s always lively as well and we’ve implemented a few things in training of late that’s very competitive. There’s points on the horizon for the small-sided games we have, and you can really see that in the lads.
“That’s what you want but ultimately when you’re winning games, you’re in good form and you’re seven unbeaten – it’s always nice that you can go into training with a smile on your face.”
Ryan is still without Ali McCann and Emil Riis through long-term injuries, but the former looks to be catching up to speed faster than expected, alongside teammate Liam Lindsay who has missed the previous three fixtures, but he’s unlikely to return before the international break.
As for the rest of the squad, “everyone’s fit and raring to go” for the final game prior to the international break.
You can watch the full interview with the manager on iFollow PNE.