Preston proved the bookies wrong yet again last season by finishing in the top half of the table despite being one of the favourites to be relegated to League One.

A major factor in the club's recent success has been the man in charge, Simon Grayson, but the former Leeds boss has departed Deepdale for recently relegated Sunderland.

The vacancy in Lancashire caught the eye of many managers but a reasonably quick decision was made and Alex Neil was announced as the new man in charge.

He has spoken out about not wanting to come in and completely change the team around because it's simply not needed, but what he has said is that his appointment gives each player a blank slate to start from and a chance to impress.

This gives certain players who rarely featured last season a great opportunity to break into the Preston side where they perhaps wouldn't have if Grayson was still in charge.

With this in mind, Football League World writer Tom Rawcliffe will identify two players who may be given more opportunities this season...

 

Ben Pringle

The capture of Ben Pringle before the beginning of last season got Preston fans extremely excited, but his first season at Deepdale was nothing more than a let down.

Pringle made just ten league appearances for the Whites and he didn't actually feature at all in 2017, which shows he was surplus to Grayson's plans.

However, if he can impress Neil in pre-season then he could have another shot at becoming a first team player despite his strong competition.

 

Stevie May

Stevie May's lack of appearances last season was mainly due to the serious knee ligament injury he suffered in December 2015 playing away at Fulham.

But even after returning from his long spell on the sidelines, his opportunities were limited and it wasn't until the last two games of the season where he made the starting eleven.

Aberdeen have expressed their interest in the Scotsman and it looked likely that he could depart. But the introduction of May's former teammate and manager could bring the best out of him this season as it looks like he is now set to stay.

Preston fans... Would you like to see these players feature more this season? Do they have what it takes? Let us know what you think in the comments down below!