Preston North End's Squad Takes a Step Forward in Pre-Season
Preston North End's squad took a significant step forward in their preparations for the 2026/27 Championship season with a behind-closed-doors friendly against Sheffield Wednesday. The match, played over two 60-minute halves, saw the visitors emerge 3-2 winners.
The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. However, it was Sheffield Wednesday who took the lead, with goals from Louie Barry and Jamal Lowe giving them a 2-0 advantage at the break. Alfie Devine and Callum Lang scored for PNE in the second half, but it was not enough to secure a win.
The match marked another step forward in the team's preparations for the new season. With North End now embarking upon their six-day training camp in Spain, the squad is working hard to build on the progress made so far. The team's manager, Paul Heckingbottom, was pleased with the performance, stating that the squad faced a strong Sheffield Wednesday team and emerged with a valuable learning experience.
New Signing Jusef Erabi Makes a Positive Impression
The match also saw new signing Jusef Erabi play the opening hour, linking up with his team-mates for the first time. Heckingbottom praised Erabi's performance, stating that he had shown what a fit lad he is and that he would benefit from the experience gained in the match. Erabi had not played football for a few months, but he had been training hard on his own, and this week's match was his first opportunity to play with the squad.
What Comes Next for Preston North End?
With the squad now in Spain for their six-day training camp, the focus will be on building on the progress made so far. The team will be working hard to fine-tune their preparations for the new season, and Heckingbottom is confident that the squad will emerge stronger and more united than ever. The match against Sheffield Wednesday was a valuable learning experience, and the squad will be looking to build on the progress made in the coming weeks.
