It’s become a running joke among Preston fans based on the general disrespect we’re shown by a lot of fans in this league and the absolute bed wetting that occurs when we beat them. Every club in this league indulges in the dark arts when winning, but when Preston do it, it’s a disgrace and the ‘worst they’ve ever seen’… followed by ‘I couldn’t watch that every week’…

But who cares? We’re 3rd in the league and have a very good chance of breaking into that top 2 tomorrow. So what’s changed from last season when we saw an injury ravaged year leaving us in 14th place?

Injuries, we’ve had a few but our attack was decimated from the off last season, losing Bodin & Harrop for the season who have come back and made noticeable contributions. Maguire has also had a torrid time but now its seems we’ve found a way to manage him and he has done a good job in filling the void left by Callum Robinson.

The loss of Moult is a shame as it looked like he had finally found his feet with a top class performance against Wigan. However, the now fit David Nugent looks like he is capable of bringing even more to the table.

Browne & Rafferty have also performed admirably when called upon at fullback, in the absence of Hughes & Fisher.

BFG, our newly recruited Big F***ing German, Patrick Bauer has made a world of difference. Ben Davies is one of the best in the league in terms of his pace, reading of the game and ball playing ability but he is not the strongest in the penalty area… Bauer is. They complement each other brilliantly and Bauer’s aerial ability and command is of great help to Rudd in goal who is not known for his dominance.

Options, the current squad is one of the most competitive since i’ve supported PNE. Barkhuizen, Bodin & Maguire able to play across the front line, Harrop & Potts offering different qualities out wide, Nugent’s experience up front and Stockley’s height, giving us numerous ways of playing.

DJ & Browne providing different styles in the 10 role, Rafferty stepping up to the plate at full back and younger players like Ledson & Storey becoming more reliable.

Experience, we now have a core of players who know this division inside out. Johnson, Barkhuizen, Maguire, Browne, Davies, Fisher, Rudd, Gallagher, Pearson & Nugent — established players who can see out games and step it up when needed. In previous seasons it felt like we lacked leaders, that is no longer the case.

DJ, it would be rude not to mention the season’s best player so far. 7 goals & 4 assists in 11 games, people will mention the penalties but ask the likes of Paul Pogba how easy they are to convert. Preston fans have wanted to see him return to the attacking midfield role since he first hit the scene in our promotion season and they’ve been proven right. His engine and calmness in a deeper midfield role can be useful but it just seemed a waste of his real talents.

Alex Neil, tactically he is as good as anyone in the division, his meticulous attention to detail and studying of the opposition is clear to see. The confidence when we go in front wasn’t there under Grayson and this season’s home form is reminiscent of the days under Billy Davies.

Preston are a bit of lottery this year in terms of style. We can play a possession game, we can press, we can hit the channels, go long and have pace on the counter. Our ability to switch things during games is also another reason why we must be one of the most difficult teams in the country to devise a game plan against.

I feel our goal tally flatters us a little bit and our defending at set pieces is a slight concern but there’s no doubting we’re a good side this year and with the likes of Hughes, Bodin & Nugent back in the mix, it feels like there is more to come from these underdogs.

It may not last but I personally feel we could be in for a very good season and leave a few more Championship fans crying on youtube.