Walsall Web-Fans Sadlad catches up with Preston fans from pne-online.net ahead of The Lilywhites trip to ‘The Banks’s ‘ on Saturday.
Sadlad 1- There were shock waves when it came to light in March that Graham Westley was aware that four of his players had leaked technical information to Sheffield Wednesday ahead of the game. What impact did this have on your club at the time and was it ever resolved?
San-J – The situation was never really resolved as no-one was named and shamed. We don’t know who did it as nearly all those at the club at the time have left. It was still early on in Westley’s reign, and there was still divided opinion amongst the fans. It was either the manager or the players. ‘Leakgate’ served only to widen the rift.
2- How is the fans appraisal of and relationship with Peter Risdale?
BigJonsBrekfast – Focusing solely on his work at the club, he has been fantastic. The man has made what seems to be a very astute signing, managing to have the foresight and patience to see out last season and calmly build a very capable squad with a zero transfer fees (excluding Beavon of course).
The guy handles PR expertly and comes across as very knowledgeable about the game itself. Without being able to access balance sheets it’s hard to tell, but it seems like the club is in a much more financially secure state too.
Most significantly, however, the club now has a real sense of togetherness and a buzz of excitement and optimism that has been missing for many years now.
3- Graham Westley was certainly busy in the transfer market in the summer. Out of the released players are there any you would have kept?
shutsy93 – None. If they didn’t want to play for the club, then I don’t want them playing for the club.
4- Out of the players he has signed this summer who have impressed you? Has he recruited well?
BigJonsBrekfast – Laird seems to be an exceptional left back for this level, with deceptive pace and very good technique. Can’t believe we got him for free, best left back we’ve had for many many years.
Candsell Sherrif was signed from a previous league 2 club, is good in the air, is two footed and comfortable on the ball. And he’s a centre half.
Huntington impressed last year and again is a great buy for free
Jack King is an impressive signing from a non league club and holds the ball expertly.
Nicky Wroe is a real goal threat from midfield, can’t believe we got him for free and was playing in League Two.
Moose is obviously a great engine in the middle and good captain, whilst monakana is strong for his age and has a lot of flair on the wing. Two great freebies.
Sodje is a good target man (which we needed) and Beavon, well, it’s beavon.
We’ve recruited excellently and seem to have a squad of determined players who inspire a bit of pride amongst us. It’s great to see.
5- Walsall’s opponents last Saturday, Portsmouth, moaned that teams (like Walsall) raise their game against them as they are Portsmouth, a bigger club. Can this be said Of Preston North End, in League One?
Ron Burgundy – Yes it can be, we entertained Crawley at Deepdale last weekend and they certainly raised there game and beat us at our own game. You could see how much it meant to them by there managers ridiculous celebration in front of GW who took it as an offense.
Dontask – I think it is our job to raise our game too if that is the case. Preston are probably a scalp in this league, yeah.
6- What have your away performances been like this season? I see you have had a mixed bag of results.
lasherbasher – The team is still learning how to play away from home. At Deepdale we have a very clear plan of attack.
7- This week Preston had a home ‘gate’ against Hartlepool of just over 8,000. Do Preston do any range of special offers with discounted tickets to try and get more in?
San-J – One loss, one draw, one win in the league, in that order. Improving, but with more to come. Plenty of grit and determination but not the same style and expression as we have shown at home.
8- Which team have impressed you so far this season that you have faced and who do you see this season finishing in the top few positions?
nathanPNE – Swindon looked decent in the second half against us, but the performance from them in the first half was shocking… Crawley were clinical against us and did the research and realised what sort of threat we hold, they could possibly be up there.
9- What position do you see Preston finishing? Is Graham Westley the man to lead you back to the Championship?
Raefil – On current form I see a realistic chance of a top 6 finish. Westley believes hes the man to lead us into the championship. I think he may well be correct.
10- And finally… the visit to Walsall on Saturday. Any predictions for this game? Were you surprised of Walsall’s bright start to the season?
nobleroman – A draw is on the cards. Depends on who is injured for us to an extent (though we have strength in some depth)
You really should be in the upper echelons of this league at the end of the day. But probably won’t be.
shutsy93 – Walsall have changed their form from last season and certainly look a challenge. I’d like to think we can get something out of the game. As for a prediction…I’ll go for a 0-0 draw. It’s typical North End to have the lack of consistency which leads to bagging 5 to hitting a brick wall