If you do not reach for the stars, You'll never touch the Moon - John McGrath
November 2024
Dear Mr. Hemmings,
Two years ago, Preston North End
supporters raised concerns about the club’s management, from transfer strategy
to youth development. Despite this, little has changed.
It’s time for action.
PNE has been labelled the
"most boring club in the EFL"¹, a title that is becoming harder to
dispute. While we appreciate the Hemmings family’s financial support, the
club’s leadership raises serious questions. Why is one person allowed to control
key areas of the club’s operations, including player recruitment, media
relations, and questionable fan interactions, without proper oversight?
Following the
"unacceptable"² end to the 2023/24 EFL Championship
season and a lack of decisive summer action, the club’s direction is unclear.
We fully support Paul
Heckingbottom and Stuart McCall, but they need adequate resources to succeed.
Despite calls for reinforcements, the squad remains unbalanced. Our recent
high-profile signing—made without a manager in place—highlights the need for better
strategic planning, especially given the club’s limited budget.
With half the starting squad out
of contract this summer and a history of players leaving for free, the transfer
strategy urgently needs a radical overhaul. Financial Fair Play regulations may
pose challenges, but creative solutions are achievable with the right
leadership.
Supporter groups like PNE Online
and PSC collaborate with dedicated club staff to improve the matchday
experience. However, this enthusiasm needs to be reflected at the top. The
matchday experience continues to decline, and off-field issues—such as outsourced
facility contracts and inadequate maintenance of Deepdale—exacerbate the
situation.
The current leadership structure
requires a new approach. Recruitment, contract management, and the club’s
vision need immediate reform. We advocate for fresh ideas and a renewed
commitment to Premier League aspirations.
As proud supporters, we stand
ready to assist in any capacity.
It’s time to move beyond rhetoric
and take concrete steps to revitalise the club.
The future of Preston North End depends on it.
PNE
Online, on behalf of our members
Associate Member, Football Supporters’ Association
Preston
Supporters Collective Steering Group
Associate Member, Football Supporters’ Association
1 Second Tier
- The Championship Football Podcast, 20/11/24;
Director’s Box, 14/03/24
2 An End Of
Season Update From The Chairman, 14/05/24