Heckingbottom reflects on Bradford City friendly ahead of new season

Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom reflected on his side’s 3-2 friendly defeat to Bradford City, emphasizing both progress and areas needing work as the team prepares for the new Championship season. The match saw Bradford take an early lead through Will Swan before Milutin Osmajic and Jordan Storey briefly turned the game in PNE’s favor. However, Tyreik Wright and Nick Powell secured the win for the Bantams. Heckingbottom praised the 90-minute performances of Lee Nicholls, Pol Valentin, Jordan Storey, Ali McCann, Andrew Moran, and Osmajic, while noting the team’s defensive vulnerabilities.

What happened in the friendly?

Preston North End lost 3-2 to Bradford City in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday night. Bradford opened the scoring in the 10th minute through Will Swan, but Milutin Osmajic equalized early in the second half with a powerful strike. Jordan Storey briefly put PNE ahead before Tyreik Wright and substitute Nick Powell sealed the win for Bradford. Six Preston players-Lee Nicholls, Pol Valentin, Jordan Storey, Ali McCann, Andrew Moran, and Osmajic-played the full 90 minutes.

Why it matters for Preston

Heckingbottom acknowledged the positives, particularly the fitness gains for players who completed the full match. However, he stressed concerns over defensive errors, noting that Preston gave away too many chances. The team’s recent form (LWLLW) and final 2025 league standing (14th in the Championship, 60 points) highlight the need for improvement. Heckingbottom emphasized that effectiveness in both boxes will determine results, especially as the season approaches.

What comes next for Preston?

Preston’s pre-season schedule includes further friendlies against Stockport County and Barcelona, with Heckingbottom planning to give more players 90 minutes in these matches. The final pre-season test against Huddersfield will be crucial, as it closely mirrors the intensity of league games. Preston’s next competitive fixture is at home against QPR on February 20, 2027, with QPR finishing 15th in the 2025 Championship table.