Preston North End - The Invincibles Mark II

[Reece]

ye probz

[Miguel]

Great season preview mate, keep up the really good work.

I'll be following

[RazPne]

This is a really good thread man ! KUTGW cant wait till you start the season

[Super--Torres]

Hey man its me. Great thread
Nice to see people doing some lower leagues
Keep it up!

[Dan]

Coca-Cola Championship Preview: Part Two

Norwich City
The Canaries have never really found the form to take them back to the Premiership since their relegation in 2005, and last years 17th place finish proved they are a long way from achieving any return. Manager Glenn Roeder has brought in a mix of young players and experience most of them coming from Premiership teams on loan deals, if they do well this season, the problem will be how they will cope without them next time.
Key Player: Arturo Lupoli

Nottingham Forest
Another expected relegation candidate, the former European Champions are one of the biggest sleeping giants in world football, and are a long way from returning to their former glories. The aim this year will almost definetly be survival, with the aim to push on further if that is achieved.
Key Player: Lewis McGugan

Plymouth Argyle
The Pilgrims have an amazing record of making an improvement in every single season in this millenium, and after last season's 10th place finish, any sort of improvement could see them getting into the play-off places. But with the sale of many key players, Peter Halmosi and Krisztian Timar, they could find themselves ending that streak this year.
Key Player: Emile Mpenza

Preston North End
Have spent most of the summer making changes to the squad, and with the signings Billy Davies has made, it's hard to think they won't make some sort of challenge for promotion this year, however, there are teams in the league with much stronger squad, so if Preston are going to earn promotion, consistency will be the main objective.
Key Player: Neil Mellor

Queen's Park Rangers
The second richest club in the world have spent far less than anybody imagined this summer, but with young loanees Emmanuel Ledesman and Daniel Parejo, who are tipped for big things, QPR could really challenge for the title this year, their squad isn't as good as other teams, but with the flair players brought in, they could walk past some teams.
Key Player: Emmanuel Ledesma

Reading
Relegated from the Premiership, they are most people's favourites to win the league this year, along with Birmingham, they have the best squad in the league, and with the players they've managed to keep hold of, it would be a massive dissapointment if they didn't tear the league apart.
Key Player: Kevin Doyle

Sheffield United
A late-season run last year saw them almost grab a play-off place, but it was their early-season form that let them down. Bryan Robson did a decent job, but once Kevin Blackwell took over, everything changed and teams were starting to fear the Blades. A play-off place is a definite aim, and promotion is very realistic.
Key Player: Chris Morgan

Sheffield Wednesday
Flirted with relegation last season, and only survived on the last day of the season with a 4-1 win over Norwich. It is hard to see Wednesday pushing forward much. If they can keep a run of form going, it is possible they could become a mid-table team, and they should aim for that. But if they can't manage that, it looks like it could be a repeat season for the Owls.
Key Player: Marcus Tudga y

Southampton
A club that looks in turmoil. It wasn't long ago that the Saints had European ambitions, and now they are struggling to stay in the Championship. The Southampton Acadmeny is still managing to produce some talented youngsters, which could benefit the club massively in the future, but if the club don't sort out their short-term future, they could move elsewhere.
Key Player: Andrew Surman

Swansea City
Convincing in League One last year, and expected to handle the step-up, Swansea could be a surprise package. They have a talented squad and one of the most sought after young managers in Roberto Martinez. The club will most probably have the derby with Cardiff in mind during the campaign, and both those games could be more important than any other this season.
Key Player: Ferrie Bodde

Watford
Unlucky not to earn promotion last season, Watford were always close to the promotion challengers, but never had enough to take their chance to overthrow them, and were torn apart by Hull City in the play-offs. That could have been their biggest chance already. The parachute payments are finished and there seems to be no money, which could prove a distaster for any hopes this season.
Key Player: Tommy Smith

Wolverhampton Wanderers
Another team with a very strong squad, Wolves are expected to do very well this year, as in previous years, but the club has never really been able to live up to expectations since they reurned to the Championship. On their day they can beat anyone, but they need to be able to win when it isn't their day, only then can they make a push for promotion.
Key Player: Michael Kightly

[Dan]

Coca-Cola Championship Predictions

1. Birmingham
2. Reading
3. QPR
4. Wolves
5. Bristol City
6. Ipswich
7. Crystal Palace
8. Cardiff
9. Charlton
10. PRESTON
11. Sheffield United
12. Plymouth
13. Norwich
14. Derby
15. Sheffield Wednesday
16. Watford
17. Coventry
18. Burnley
19. Blackpool
20. Southampton
21. Barnsley
22. Swansea
23. Nottingham Forest
24. Doncaster



1. Reading
2. Birmingham
3. Crystal Palace
4. QPR
5. Charlton
6. Wolves
7. Cardiff
8. PRESTON
9. Coventry
10. Ipswich
11. Derby
12. Watford
13. Burnley
14. Plymouth
15. Norwich
16. Sheffield United
17. Southampton
18. Sheffield Wednesday
19. Blackpool
20. Bristol City
21. Swansea
22. Barnsley
23. Doncaster
24. Nottingham Forest



1. Birmingham
2. Reading
3. Crystal Palace
4. Wolves
5. QPR
6. Bristol City
7. Charlton
8. Ipswich
9. PRESTON
10. Cardiff
11. Watford
12. Sheffield United
13. Derby
14. Coventry
15. Swansea
16. Plymouth
17. Southampton
18. Norwich
19. Burnley
20. Sheffield Wednesday
21. Doncaster
22. Blackpool
23. Barnsley
24. Nottingham Forest



1. Reading
2. QPR
3. Birmingham
4. Sheffield United
5. PRESTON
6. Crystal Palace
7. Wolves
8. Bristol City
9. Charlton
10. Watford
11. Ipswich
12. Cardiff
13. Plymouth
14. Derby
15. Norwich
16. Burnley
17. Southampton
18. Coventry
19. Sheffield Wednesday
20. Swansea
21. Blackpool
22. Barnsley
23. Nottingham Forest
24. Doncaster

[Black Cat Bellerby]

great update can i nick the prediction idea only gonna do 2 or 3 tho ?

[Dan]

Originally Posted by GoingJoe

great update can i nick the prediction idea only gonna do 2 or 3 tho ?

Prefectly fine mate..

[Dan]

Preston swoop for unsettled starlet

Billy Davies has wrapped up his summer spending by signing Rangers youngster John Fleck for a fee of around £75,000. The 17 year old, who has played once for the Gers, was rumoured to have fallen out with club captain Barry Ferguson, and asked Walter Smith to leave. Smith rejected his transfer request and Fleck refused to train. The Rangers manager had no choice but to sell the youngster.

This is where Billy Davies made his move, and within 24 hours Fleck was unveiled at Deepdale. "It is a great chance for me, I have a better chance of getting first team games here, and that will be great for my development". When asked about why he left Rangers, Fleck said, "I love the club, but I couldn't get along with some of the players, maybe I could play for the club again someday, but we'll have to see".

Davies was thrilled to have captured such a prospect. "John is a great young talent, this is what we want this club to be about, we've got some superb young players already, and Johnis adding to that list".

[Black Cat Bellerby]

Never heard of him but lets see fow our yout products, CARDEANS(ME), Fleck

[Dan]

Preston start season with emphatic win

Preston North End began their 2008/09 campaign with a superb 5-1 victory over Charlton. The Lilywhites got off to a fantastic start and within 11 minutes they were 2-0 up. The first came from a superb pass from Barry Nicholson, who fed through Neil Mellor, who slotted the ball past Nicky Weaver. The second was scored by Lee Trundle, who slipped away from his marker, and rifled a shot into the top corner, giving Weaver no chance.

And just before half-time Trundle made it 3-0. The striker nutmegged Mark Hudson, before out-pacing Jonathan Fourtune and chipping Nicky Weaver, a superb goal which really summed up the first half, most of which it seemed the home side hadn't turned up. The second half was much quieter, but saw two sending-offs before another goal. Both Simon Whaley and Ross Wallace were sent-off, the second rather harshly.

But the foul that Wallace commited was a penalty, but there were many other players around the box, and Billy Davies was furious with the decision. Andy Gray stepped up and gave Kasper Schmeichel no chance with his penalty. But as Charlton pushed to score another goal, they left themselves open at the back and the paceof Trundle proved too much again as he skipped past the defence to score his third. And just three minutes later, 17 year old John Fleck skipped past the Charlton side, before sending in a floating cross, which Barry Nicholson met at the far post.

"We are thrilled with the performance" said Billy Davies, "But we must understand that not every game will be like this, and we have to make sure we don't think our next game will be". Preston will welcome Sheffield Wednesday to Deepdale next as the Lilywhites sit proudly at the top of the Championship.

K. Schmeichel 8, B. Jones 8, K. Timar 8, G. Paletta 9, R. Wallace 7, S. Whaley 6, B. Nicholson 9, K. McKenna 8, Carter 8 ( Elito 7 ), Mellor ( Fleck 8 ), Trundle 9.

MOM: Barry Nicholson
Ran the show. A superb performance, had a hand in the goals and made sure the midfield stayed solid.

Current PNE Position: 1st
Next up: Sheffield Wednesday (H)

[Reece]

great mate fab win mint update

[Dan]

Originally Posted by ReeceMarkKirk

great mate fab win mint update

Thanks.. It was a strange game though.. I don't think I'll have an easier one..

[Reece]

lol lol do u like 09 then

[Dan]

Originally Posted by ReeceMarkKirk

lol lol do u like 09 then

I do, took me a bit to get used to, it felt different to 08.. But it is a much more realistic game than the past..


Big win and only 1 person..

[Reece]

lol lol

[Dan]

Late Elito show saves Preston

A late show from youngster Medy Elito saved Preston from defeat, and stole three points off a stunned Sheffield Wednesday. The game started at a fast pace, and Sheffield Wednesday had the best chances, but against the run of play Mellor headed the ball past Wednesday keeper Pedro Roma to give Preston the lead on 28 minutes.

But that lead was short lived, as two minutes later, Francis Jeffers took advantage of some sloppy defending by Preston, placing the ball past Kasper Schmeichel. The game quietened down then for a while until, on the hour mark, Jeffers got his second. This time he was played through by Sodje and rounded Schmeichel to grab the lead.

Then Billy Davies introduced Darren Carter and Medy Elito to the game, and both made an impact. Preston were passing the ball around brilliantly, and Carter's pass found it's way to Elito who thumped it home from 25 yards. And 6 minutes later, with the clock coming up to 90 minutes, Carter tried along range effort, but his was blocked, and the rebound fell to Elito who smacked it into the net, stealing the three points for Preston.

"A fantastic end for us", said Preston manager Billy Davies, "We had spells where we dominated, but so did they, I would have been happy with a draw, but Medy has won it for us". The win means Preston remain top of the table.

K. Schmeichel 7, B. Jones 8, K. Timar 9, G. Paletta 8, L. Chilvers 7, C. Sedgwick 8, B. Nicholson 8, P. McKenna 8 (Elito 9), J. Fleck 8 (D. Carter 7), N. Mellor 8, L. Trundle 7 (S. Elliott 6) Suns not used: A. Lonergan, M. Hart

MOM: Medy Elito
Rescued the game with a superb late performance. Was only on for around 30 minutes, but was superb for every second.

Current PNE position: 1st
Next up: Cardiff City (A)

[NikeT90Aero]

Great MM man! I'll try and follow this one.

[Reece]

Fantastic Mate this MM is awesome lke i said earlier

[Dan]

Originally Posted by NikeT90Aero

Great MM man! I'll try and follow this one.

Originally Posted by ReeceMarkKirk

Fantastic Mate this MM is awesome lke i said earlier

Thanks guys..

I'll have the match report for the Cardiff game up soon..

[NemesisLFC]

Brilliant start to the season mate, 2 wins so far, great beginning as you mean to go on. Again, a brilliant MM, one of my favourites in fact, KIU

Cardiff next eh? I go to Cardiff games with my mate. Not quite sure why I brought that up but good luck anyway mate

[Dan]

Preston taste defeat in thriller

A hat-trick from Eddie Johnson secured the win for Cardiff City in a thrilling encounter at Ninian Park. But it was a Cardiff old-boy who got things started, Robbie Fowler, who stepped in for Neil Mellor, opened the scoring on 6 minutes with a neat turn and shot, as boos rang round the stadium. But 10 minutes later Krisztian Timar brought down Ross McCormack, earning himself a red card, and Darren Purse stepped up to fire in the equiliser.

But Fowler, who was the victim of abuse everytime he touched the ball, scored again moments later. Lee Trundle dragged Peter Enckleman out, chipped the ball to Fowler, who nodded it into an empty net. However the teams would go into half-time all square, as Cardiff cleared a Preston corner, and the pace of Johnson took him past Paletta, and he placed it past Schmeichel.

The second half was fairly quiet. Both teams had an equal share of possession until the last 20 minutes, when Cardiff picked up their game. Every time Preston attacked, the pace of the Cardiff attackers created something, and on 71 minutes, they forced in goal. Johnson out-paced the whole defence and was left one-on-onewith Schmeichel who saved his first effort, but could do nothing with the second.

The fourth Cardiff goal came from a Preston mistake. Darren Carter played a back-pass to Schmeichel short and Johnson pounced, and left the young Dane with no chance. The reply from Preston was almost instant. Young Scot John Fleck picked the ball up and ran past four defenders and pulled Preston back into it, but it was too little, too late.

"We need to work on our disipline" Billy Davies told pnefc.net "Three sending-offs in three games. If Kris had stayed on, we could have won it". Preston now slip to third in the table.

K. Schmeichel 5, M. Hart 6, K. Timar 4, G. Paletta 8, L. Chilvers 6, S. Whaley 7, B. Nicholson 7 (J. Fleck 7), P. McKenna 8, M. Elito 7 (D. Carter 5), R. Fowler (Y. Mawene 7), L. Trundle 8. Subs not used: A. Lonergan, N. Mellor

MOM: Gabriel Paletta
Looked solid in a shaky defence. Was unlucky with the second goal, but was great in other parts of the game.

Current PNE position: 3rd
Next game: Nottingham Forest (H)

[Reece]

unlucky mate

[Reece]

Cardiff are quality side

[NemesisLFC]

By the sounds of it, thrilling game, but a shame it didn't go in your favour mate. You'll bounce back though. Great report