Alex Neil has enjoyed a fine first season with Preston North End, managing to take the club forwards during his first 12 months at Deepdale.  

The ex-Norwich City boss was brought in to replace Simon Grayson at Deepdale, with Neil managing to maintain the high standards his predecessor had set by challenging the top-half of the Sky Bet Championship table.

Of course, Preston are still in with a chance of play-off football during the run-in, although it will be a big ask for Neil’s side, with plenty of competition for a place in the top-six.

Whether Preston break into the play-offs or have to settle for a top-half finish, Neil should take plenty from this season, with his Preston side superb.

However, he will know his side can’t afford to sit still in the summer - they have to keep improving.

With that in mind, we take a look at THREE Neil decisions that could shape Preston’s 2018/19 campaign…

What we’ve seen from Preston this season is a squad more than capable of competing, but lacking star quality to take them to the next level.

It doesn’t have to be a busy summer transfer window for Neil, but he needs to be focusing on getting the right quality to Deepdale.

Once again, Cunningham has proved to be one of the best left-backs in the Championship, with some impressive performances for the Lilywhites.

There is every chance that clubs will move to lure Cunningham away in the summer, but Neil has to be firm and rebuff any interest.

It has to be a summer of building for Preston, who can’t afford to sell any of their stars.

Defensively this season Preston have been brilliant, with their problems coming at the other end of the field.

Neil’s side haven’t scored as many goals as their play-off rivals, which will need to be addressed next season.

The loss of Jordan Hugill hasn't helped, with Neil needing to identify a player to score the goals to take Preston forwards next season.

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