The inside track on Pilgrims' next opponents

FORMER promotion-winning plymouth Argyle manager Ryan Lowe has guided Preston North End to the top of the Championship five games into the 2023/24 campaign.

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

PNE finished 12th last term, in Lowe's first full season at Deepdale, when they were six points outside the play-off positions.

The hope will now be that they can secure a top six spot this season after the excellent start to the season they have had, most recently a 2-0 win at Stoke City before the international break on September 2.

Republic of Ireland international striker Will Keane, a summer signing from Wigan Athletic for an undisclosed fee, scored both goals against Stoke, the first from the penalty spot.

George Hodgson, Preston North End reporter at the Lancashire Post, has given Herald Sport his insight into Argyle's opponents at Deepdale today.

What has been the secret to PNE's success at the start of this season, and how much of a surprise has it been?

Summer signings, senior players stepping up to the plate and a slight change in tactical approach. North End's squad has been super thin, but the same players have performed week-in-week-out and there has been a great team spirit about Preston as well as a grit and character that was perhaps missing last season.

They've picked up four points from losing positions and Ryan Lowe has implemented a style which suits his squad slightly more. Nobody would've expected PNE to be top of the table after five games, so it has definitely been a pleasant surprise.