Last season was a successful one for Preston North End, as we managed to finish in the top half of the table after getting promoted to the Championship the season before.

We took everybody by surprise after the only real expectation of the team was to achieve a place outside of the relegation places, which they did with a gap of 22 points.

The club now go into their second season in a row in the Championship, hoping to build on the fantastic campaign that they endured last time round.

In terms of transfers, we have certainly improved on the squad that we had last season. We now have more strength in depth, and more quality throughout the side.

At the end of last season, we were left with just one goalkeeper, a promising 17-year-old called Matt Hudson.

Grayson moved quickly in the transfer window adding Fleetwood Town goalkeeper Chris Maxwell to the ranks, who impressed during his time with the League One side.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindergaard has now also signed permanently to become first-choice 'keeper but our back-up is certainly stronger than last season.

In the past few seasons, our defence has always been a strong point in our side.

Especially whilst in League One, the defence was very difficult to break down and at points last season, the same could be said.

The experienced head of Tommy Spurr has been brought to the club, and he also offers versatility of playing pretty much anywhere along the back line. However, we still need to strengthen just a little bit more and bring in a new right-back as our first-choice in that position, Calum Woods, has already been ruled out for the entirety of the season.

In central midfield, North End have a great array of talent.

The competition for places in the centre of midfield is incredible with John Welsh, Paul Gallagher, Alan Browne, Ben Pearson, Liam Grimshaw and new recruit Ben Pringle all trying to beat each other to a place in the starting XI.

Pringle is a signing which has got the North End fans talking after already impressing in pre-season.

He can occupy a place on the left flank but he can also play in the middle of the park which is where he has been playing in pre-season. The former Rotherham man has a great left-foot and he will no doubt have a big part to play next season.

They have also brought former England U20 international Callum Robinson back to Deepdale on a permanent basis after impressing over a few loan spells.

The former Aston Villa youngster is a fast and tricky winger, who can also play up front, who is yet to reach his peak but he has always shown flashes of potential.

In the striking position, Preston are looking much stronger than last season. At times throughout the campaign, Preston had the bare minimum to pick from due to the long-term injury which Wembley hero Jermaine Beckford suffered.

However, if he can stay fit throughout the whole season then he will no doubt also have a huge part to play in the club's campaign.

Alongside him is likely to be another fan favourite Joe Garner, but competing with these two will be new signings Simon Makienok and Eoin Doyle as well as Jordan Hugill and long-term absentee Stevie May.

The squad is looking strong and with one or two new faces still looking likely to arrive, Preston could be a team to fear next season.

In terms of expectations, it's difficult to say.

After the success of last season you want to say that the side will be looking to push on but with the division looking much stronger this season, it is certainly easier said than done.

The play-off places may be just too much of a push at the minute but the Whites will do all they can to try and get there.

Preston fans... What do you think your side can achieve next season? Is the play-off places a real possibility? Have your say in the comments section below!