Preston North End midfielder Ali McCann wants to see some ‘quality’ signings arrive at the club this summer.
International games are upon us right now but the Championship fixture list will emerge soon enough.
The focus will soon turn back to PNE and hopefully a very busy summer in terms of making new signings.
Ryan Lowe desperately needs new recruits with more business to be done after signing Calvin Ramsay on loan from Liverpool last week.
It’s not just the fans who realise North End’s need for reinforcements – it’s the players too.
Midfielder McCann is currently on international duty with Northern Ireland put has taken a moment to talk about PNE.
Speaking to The Irish News, McCann noted that North End just fell short in their playoff pursuit at the end of the past season.
McCann does though hope that PNE can not kick on and take the ‘next step’ just like Luton Town did with their promotion.
McCann hopes that North End bring in ‘quality’ players this summer, anticipating a turnover in the squad during this transfer window.
“We were kind of in with a sniff (of a play-off place) over the last few games but just fell short,” said McCann. “There’s no reason why we can’t go and try to replicate what Luton have done, take that next step.”
“It’s a case of seeing what faces come in. We had a few loan players, there’s going to be a bit of turnover at the club this summer, so we’ll see what happens. Hopefully we’ll bring in some quality,” he added.
How many signings do PNE need?
The big problem area is abundantly clear.
North End currently don’t have a single fit, recognised striker right now.
Ched Evans and Emil Riis are still working their way back from injury problems and it’s unclear just when they can play again.
Loanees Tom Cannon, Troy Parrott and Liam Delap have all returned to their parent clubs and may not return.
North End need to bring in two or even three strikers this summer, which is difficult with a limited budget.
Robbie Brady is staying put but another left wing back will be required after Alvaro Fernandez’s loan spell came to an end.
We would like to see another defender but can appreciate it may not be a top priority.
That could change if Sheffield Wednesday firm up their interest in Jordan Storey but with Bambo Diaby, Patrick Bauer and Liam Lindsay all better in the middle of the back three, another option on the right – preferably with pace, the ability to carry the ball out from the back and break the lines with their passing – would be welcomed.
Midfield is also an area of concern with Daniel Johnson and Josh Onomah both out of contract this summer.
PNE’s midfield would severely lack any kind of creativity without those two players and some guile would be needed.
That’s a big shopping list for a small budget and fans are left with similar hopes to McCann – praying that quality additions arrive.