In what has been an up and down year for pretty much every football club in this uncertain climate, there have been a few moments that have brought fans joy as well as providing a positive outlook for the future.
Of course the biggest game of the year came against Blackpool and the team and management failed that task monumentally. There were highs though in 2021, and we look at the three top ones here.
A Cunningham inspired away win at Ewood Park
Fans were not allowed in grounds in February 2021, but this one was live on television, and provided fans an opportunity to watch the derby game on a Friday night. Even if the season was turning out to be somewhat of a damp squib, with results up and down, and no fans in the stadium, this still provided something to get excited about.
The game got off to a wonderful start with Greg Cunningham who had just rejoined the club, scoring a wonderful goal, swerving into the corner, with his left foot. Another new defensive arrival in Liam Lindsay added the next goal, as North End looked to get just their second win of the year.
After that Daniel Iversen proved to be a brick wall in defence, only being beaten by an Adam Armstrong penalty despite the onslaught from Rovers. The 2-1 win provided some life to the season, and a rare boost for the fans. Individual displays reminded us that there is some talent in the team that could be worked with.
Fans return to stadiums
It felt like an age since any of us had been lucky enough to witness a live football game. When restrictions were lifted in mid-July, it had been 16 months since Preston fans had last seen their team. Little did we know back then in that game against QPR in March 2020 that we would have to wait so long.
For me the first game back came against Wigan Athletic in an away friendly. Not much to shout about in any other year, but on this occasion every aspect of the evening was enjoyable, because you had to appreciate it more now.
The Championship kicked off with a home game against Hull City. Result aside, it was emotional walking back into Deepdale with my Dad, and having a sense of normality returning. Everyone has a different routine on a Saturday afternoon, and when that is taken away from you, you can’t help but feel lost. Football wasn’t the same without fans in the stadium, everyone involved would agree with that. Perhaps we had taken it for granted, but no one could forsee the events that would take it away from us.
On the whole this season at Deepdale hasn’t been too bad, with only two defeats witnessed. Whilst the football has been far from pleasing on the eye, it has allowed us to develop even stronger bonds with players like Emil Riis, and Sepp van den Berg and you can tell that they too relish the opportunity to play at Deepdale.
Fans were also able to witness wild moments with late goals away to Sheffield United, Bournemouth and Middlesbrough. This should only get better in 2022 as we embark on a new era…
Ryan Lowe arrives to breathe new life into the club
The end of Alex Neil’s era, and the permanent spell of Frankie McAvoy had meant fans had fallen out of love with the club. There was apathy towards Preston North End, and this was mainly directed at the manager and Peter Ridsdale. It was hard to see any light at the end of a very dark tunnel. However Ridsdale did finally call time on McAvoy’s tenure, and North End fans sat up and began to wonder where we would head next.
Whilst a few managers with previous connections to the club were linked; Graham Alexander, Callum Davidson etc. it became clear the club had only one target in mind. It took just over 24 hours for Ryan Lowe to sign on the dotted line, and fans quickly scrambled around to find out as much as possible about the Liverpudlian.
What they found was hugely positive. This was a man who had achieved two promotions already in his short managerial career, and liked to play an attractive style of football. A huge box ticked already. Then came his press conferences. This was a man who was proud of his success so far, but more importantly proud to take a step up in his career and lead this fine club, despite some Plymouth Argyle fans questioning his choice.
Preston North End was losing fans, but this move had already garnered more interest than anything else this year without a ball being kicked. Lowe’s first game came against Barnsley at Deepdale, and he received a rapturous reception. It was a mix of excitement, relief, hope and joy that together oozed out at this chance of a new start. The fans of this club have never been expectant of too much. But you can already tell Lowe understands the fan base. He wants to pack out Deepdale, and the football on show in that first game was a massive step in the right direction.
This man looks as if he can garner the best from Alan Browne and Daniel Johnson, and stamp his own mark on this club. 2022 looks to be a much more positive year than the previous two, and the fans finally have something they can come together on and get behind.