Preston North End enjoyed one of the best transfer windows in recent memory but one position remains something of a concern.
We have been critical of North End’s recruitment in recent times but can have few complaints after an impressive summer.
Championship performers were added in Jack Whatmough, Will Keane and Duane Holmes alongside some dips into the European market.
Mads Frøkjær-Jensen, Liam Millar and Milutin Osmajic all came in from clubs across the continent, with PNE taking some calculated risks.
Championship experience alongside some European imports with potential – this is the blend we have really wanted to see at PNE, but one area is still up in the air…
PNE missed out on left wing backs over the summer
North End went into the summer window needing another left wing back.
Alvaro Fernandez returned to Manchester United and had made it clear that he wasn’t really looking for another loan at PNE.
PNE looked into landing Yasser Larouci from Troyes, but he chose to sign for Sheffield United instead as the Blades hijacked North End’s move.
Manchester City’s Josh Wilson-Esbrand was next up, only for North End to be pipped by French club Reims.
There were links to the likes of Alex Bangura and even Grimsby Town’s Anthony Glennon, but the summer window ended without North End landing a recognised left wing back.
Left wing back still a concern for North End fans
An injury to Robbie Brady meant that youngster Kian Best started the season at left wing back with some highs and lows.
Best produced a superb assist against Sheffield Wednesday but didn’t quite seem ready for the Championship defensively.
Deadline day signing Millar has featured at wing back too, but it’s clear that he is more of a winger and would prefer playing further forward.
Brady has returned in recent weeks but he has looked a little rusty following his injury lay-off.
We can’t support the jeers and ironic cheers aimed at Brady when he was substituted against Millwall on Saturday.
Brady has shown his quality before and is still working his way back to fitness, so the ironic cheers aren’t particularly helpful.
The hope is that Brady will find his best form again soon, but more recognised competition may well be needed in that area of the pitch come January.