Who Are Yer?: Preston

Vital Sheffield Wednesday talks to Preston fan Grant about his side's promotion aspirations, David Nugent and more ahead of our clash with North End this weekend.

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1. You've had a great season, how confident are you of promotion?

Our forms taken a bit of a dip lately and the defeat against Colchester didn't help but I still think we can snatch a top 2 spot. Birmingham and Derby have spent loads to get where they are and have some top players so it's going to be tough, but the way we've been playing we can catch them. I don't really fancy having another go at the play-offs again! Although it has to be our time at some point surely?

2. How good is Paul Simpson?

I have to say that I had my doubts about him when we got him after the success Billy (spit) Davies had with us. It was a tough act to follow but if anything he's done better than Davies and has performed way above expectations. I think the key is he hasn't changed it too much, he's just added bits here and there and it seems to have worked really well. Seems to have a great bond with the players too which is probably why Nugent is still here.

3. Have there been any comings or going in the January window?

Certainly has. We've just signed Brighton keeper Wayne Henderson and Gambia captain Seyfo Soley. Have to say that I know absolutely nothing about these players to judge them at the moment but I'm confident in Simpson and look forward to seeing them play. Probably the best deal over January was that we managed to keep hold of Nugent. He'll be like a top signing for us and we can now concentrate on going the rest of the season with him leading our attack.

4. Who are your key men?

David Nugent is the obvious choice. He doesn't get bag fulls of goals each season but he is a massive loss when he isn't in the team. He's an 'intelligent' footballer and his link play between the attack and midfield is superb. Can also score the odd screamer like I'm sure you saw at the weekend! Simon Whaley also runs him close on the right wing, bags of pace and skill and I think he'll start against you on Saturday.

5. Any weaknesses?

Playing away from Deepdale! We seem to be unstoppable at home but we often come unstuck away like we did at Colchester on Tuesday night. Will be tough going to Hillsborough as Laws seems to have got you playing decent football so I'm wary of another slip-up at the weekend.

6. What do you make of our chances for promotion this season?

I'm not sure you'll make it this season but Laws has shown that you have enough to give it a go next season. If you'd have got off to a decent start you may have been further up the table so it seems the change came a bit too late. It's been a tight league this season but I think it's starting to take shape now and I expect five of the current top six to stay there so it's just up to the other club. Maybe you still have a slim chance, but hopefully not after Saturday ;)

7. What's your most memorable Owls v PNE match?

I'll always remember the first time I came to Hillsborough and I think we beat you 3-1. We'd just come up and I think you just come down from the Premiership and it was my first time at a big ground. Great goal from your player I remember but we ran out 3-1 winners. Three goals in the second half from Alexander Anderson and an own goal! Great support from North End and a proper day out!

8. What do you think the score will be?

I'm not one to make predictions, partly because I'm rubbish and partly because I don't want to put the kiss of death on us if I predict a North End win! I think it will be a close match in terms of chances and it should be a good game.

Good luck for the rest of the season, Grant.

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Cheers Grant! Good luck to you, too. You've had enough chances to go up and hopefully you will do this season.

NEXT UP - Burnley...

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