Graham Alexander has issued a direct challenge to Andy Moran, telling the young midfielder he must start delivering goals and assists to secure his place in the Preston side. The manager's call for greater end product comes with the club in a dire situation, sitting 24th in the Championship with just four points from ten games and a goal difference of minus twelve.
Alexander described Moran as an "attacking, creative midfield player" but stressed that technical quality must translate into tangible results. "I think he's really technically very good," Alexander said. "He's an intelligent footballer but what I've spoken to him about, maybe two or three days ago, you have to use that creativity to create chances and score goals." The manager is working with the 21-year-old on a three-week window to sharpen his focus on this final phase of play.
Moran's limited impact
Since his arrival from Brighton for a fee in excess of £1 million last January, Moran has made 15 appearances for Preston, registering just one goal and one assist. His role has been minimal this campaign, featuring only twice off the bench in the Championship for a total of 53 minutes, with his sole start coming in the Carabao Cup defeat to Everton. He made his first appearance under Alexander as a half-time substitute in the recent 4-0 loss at Birmingham City, a performance the manager praised as a "really good job in really difficult circumstances."
Alexander's message, however, is clear. Football is about numbers, he stated, and Preston's are the worst in the division. The team has not kept a clean sheet since February and its tally of eight goals is the joint-lowest in the league. The manager emphasized that the team must simply score more than the opponent, focusing on what he called the "white thing at the end of the pitch."
Pressure to improve
The comments show the intense pressure at Deepdale following a run of poor form. The 4-0 loss at St Andrew's, where Birmingham scored three times in quick succession before half-time, was a particular low point. Alexander insists he is not looking back and that every player has a fresh start, but the need for immediate improvement is stark.
The squad's broader attacking struggles are laid bare in the standings, where Preston prop up the table. Alexander believes there is talent within the group but says players must show more intent with their quality. It is not about playing pretty patterns, he noted, but about sticking the ball in the net.
Preston now turn their attention to a trip to the Racecourse Ground this Saturday to face Wrexham, who are currently 17th. Alexander will be hoping his words spark a reaction, with Moran and others understanding that their creativity must now be measured in goals and points. The full squad available for that key match is listed on our squad page.
Further reading: Lancashire Evening Post
