Preston North End were beaten 2-1 at Leeds United today and the need for a new right wing back was certainly highlighted at Elland Road.
PNE took an early lead in West Yorkshire as Will Keane made it three goals in two games, tapping home from Liam Millar’s ball in.
Daniel James quickly responded but North End continued to pose a threat before seemingly trying to dig in and secure a point late in the second half.
Under major Leeds pressure, PNE eventually cracked as Ryan Ledson was penalised for handball, allowing Joel Piroe to slot home an injury-time penalty.
North End will have been heartbroken at the final whistle having battled towards a draw, only to see a point snatched away at the last.
There were some encouraging signs in this performance but some issues coming to the surface again – such as the right wing back situation.
PNE simply have to sign another right wing back
Nobody can question Brad Potts for his heart, desire and sheer determination to turn around his PNE career.
Many will remember Potts being ironically cheered off the pitch at Nottingham Forest in 2021 as he struggled to find top form under Frankie McAvoy.
Potts has been a regular throughout Ryan Lowe’s reign though and is arguably the biggest success story of the Lowe era.
Potts reinvented himself, becoming a right wing back having mostly played as an attacking midfielder under Alex Neil and McAvoy.
After starting this season in superb form, Potts now looks to be flagging a little and who can blame him? The 29-year-old has started all but one league game this season and the one he missed was through suspension.
Potts looked leggy at Leeds today but PNE are now without another recognised right wing back to step in when needed.
Calvin Ramsay’s loan spell from Liverpool has been brought to an end and Potts is now left without natural competition.
Alan Browne and Ali McCann have already been mentioned as makeshift wing backs; we’ve seen it before, and we can’t say we’re yearning to see it again.
Potts has given his all for the PNE cause this season but he is looking exhausted and not having natural competition for the coming months would be a major disappointment.
PNE have committed to Lowe and his system which usually features wing backs; we’re now down to one genuine option on the right flank and our most dangerous winger having to do a job on the left side.
Being in this situation more than two years into the Lowe reign is baffling and if PNE can bring in another wing back this month, it simply has to happen.