Preston North End’s sensational 2016 in nine images

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After a fantastic first season back in the Championship, Preston North End are looking to build for the future.

After completing deals for Manchester United pair Ben Pearson and Liam Grimshaw, as well as signing West Brom goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard on loan, Preston were looking for a positive start to 2016.

Preston’s Ben Pearson (C) celebrates after scoring their first goal

Winning 6 of their 10 fixtures of January and February, Preston were steering clear of a potential relegation battle.

Daniel Johnson celebrates with Joe Garner

Guiding Preston eventually to an 11th place finish, manager Simon Grayson picked up many plaudits for his side’s excellent first season back in the Championship.

Preston manager Simon Grayson celebrates

Moving quickly to strengthen his squad over the summer, Preston brought in a number of players, including Cardiff City’s Eoin Doyle, Everton’s Aiden McGeady on loan and Sheffield Wednesday’s Marnick Vermijl.

Preston’s Aiden McGeady

Preston’s Marnick Vermijl

However, after losing star striker Joe Garner to Rangers, many Preston knew that the coming 16/17 season could well be harder than the last.

Preston’s Joe Garner

Picking up only three wins across August and September, the start of the season was difficult for Preston, despite recording a massive 3-0 win against Cardiff City, thanks to goals from Clarke, Robinson and Hugill.

Preston’s Jordan Hugill celebrates scoring their second goal

However, after three wins from their five games in October, the Preston from last season looked to be back in town. The highlight of the month being their 3-1 win against high flying Huddersfield Town.

Preston’s Alex Baptiste scores their second goal against Huddersfield

With their winning form rediscovered, Preston look like comfortably staying up once again this season, and will now be looking to once again strengthen their squad in January, as they begin to climb slowly up the Championship table.

Callum Robinson of Preston North End celebrates