Preston North End head into the busy festive period in need of some wins after a poor run in their last 15 games. The Lilywhites have slipped down the table but still remain in touching distance of the play-offs.
However after Swansea City on Friday, Preston face difficult tests against Leeds United, Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland before a cup tie at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.
Fans have slowly started to turn on Ryan Lowe after some unsavoury performances against Middlesbrough and Queens Park Rangers, but the 5-1 home defeat to Watford was the last straw for many, and Lowe’s post-match conferences aren’t washing with everyone anymore.
Anyone still on the fence was given a gentle nudge onto the ‘Lowe out’ side when the manager gave a fascinating interview with BBC Radio Lancashire where he effectively claimed he’s not interested in fans’ views if they don’t have any qualifications or pedigree in football.
It could be an uncomfortable Christmas period, with perhaps the game tonight against Swansea City one that Preston need to go all out for the win. The Swans are currently without a manager with Alan Sheehan having taken charge of the last few games.
A poor result tonight would only add fuel to the fire and then going up against a very talented Leeds United side would be a daunting project. Boxing Day is a key date on the football calendar, and Deepdale will be close to a sell out.
Preston fans will not accept another thrashing. After his comments this week, Lowe has a lot of work to do to get the fans back on side. The easiest way to do that is with victories, but it’s hard to predict where that next win may come from.
After Leeds, we play a resurgent but not out of danger Sheffield Wednesday side. Another team who will be backed by a sold out away end, and if a win isn’t secure in either of those home games, it would stretch the barren home run to five without victory.
The fans will then travel in their numbers to Sunderland away on New Year’s Day. It’s a tough time of year for many but the fans dig deep and pay their money to support this team up and down the country. If there is anyone who is worthy of a comment on where this club is heading, then it is the supporter who will be at the club long after Lowe’s time is up.