Preston North End are one of a handful of Championship clubs that have never played Premier League football.
Alongside the likes of Bristol City and Millwall, they’re trying to reach the promised land, battling against big clubs with parachute payments to spend as they please. Despite being a club steeped in footballing history going right back to the 19th Century, many factors suggest they’re more likely to head down, not up, when they leave the Championship.
Managerial Instability
The 2024–25 season began turbulently for Preston North End. Manager Ryan Lowe departed by mutual consent on August 12, 2024, following a lacklustre start that left the team languishing in 23rd place. Mike Marsh, Ched Evans, and Peter Murphy were at the helm during the interim period until late August, when Paul Heckingbottom was appointed the new manager.
Such managerial upheaval can disrupt team cohesion and performance, especially as the highly-rated Lowe hadn’t done particularly badly. Heckingbottom’s task of instilling his philosophy mid-season is daunting, especially in a league as competitive as the Championship. It has led to a pretty mediocre season, and with the likes of Emil Riis set to depart, there’s little to suggest he’s building a legacy.
Financial Constraints
Financial muscle often dictates success in modern football, and Preston’s resources are comparatively limited. For the financial year ending June 30, 2024, the club reported a turnover increase from £15.6 million to £16.9 million—a modest 8% rise. While this uptick is positive, it pales in comparison to the revenues of clubs with Premier League parachute payments or substantial external investments.
Additionally, Preston’s estimated total gross salaries for the 2024–25 season stand at an estimated £12.44 million, with the highest earner, on-loan Sam Greenwood, receiving £30,000 per week. This wage structure, though sustainable, limits the club’s ability to attract top-tier talent essential for a promotion push.
Squad Depth and Quality
A closer examination of the squad reveals challenges in depth and experience. Notable recent departures include club captain Alan Browne to Sunderland, Duane Holmes to Houston Dynamo, and Ben Woodburn to Salford City—all on free transfers. These exits may not have stripped the team of key players as such, but they have had an impact. Ben Woodburn was a player that Preston needed to get firing and sell for a big profit, but it never happened.
While the club has promoted youth talents like Kian Best and Josh Seary, relying heavily on young, unproven players in a gruelling Championship season is risky. The lack of seasoned professionals could hinder the team’s ability to navigate the challenges of the league.
Competitive Landscape
The Championship’s competitiveness cannot be overstated. As of March 17, 2025, Preston sits 14th in the league with 47 points from 38 games, trailing leaders Leeds United by 33 points. This substantial gap underscores the disparity between Preston and the promotion contenders.
Moreover, clubs like Burnley and Sunderland have exhibited consistent form, making the climb to the top even steeper for Preston. That said, their last finishes have been 13th, 13th, 12th and 10th, meaning 14th in a season of upheaval isn’t all that bad. It’s just not enough for a Premier League push.
Off-Field Distractions
The club has also faced off-field issues that could impact focus and performance. In February 2025, Preston and coach Peter Murphy were fined for improper conduct following a fixture against Blackburn Rovers. The club admitted to failing to ensure that its players and technical area occupants behaved appropriately, leading to a £6,750 fine, while Murphy received a £1,000 fine and a one-match touchline ban.
There’s also the controversy around Milutin Osmajic and Hannibal Mejbri, another off-field incident that has overshadowed events on the field. Osmajic was also involved in a biting incident at the beginning of the season, all moments the club could have done without. Such incidents can divert attention from on-pitch matters and affect team morale.
Conclusion
While Preston North End’s rich history and passionate fanbase are undeniable, the path to the Premier League is fraught with challenges. Managerial changes, financial limitations, squad deficiencies, intense competition, and off-field distractions collectively contribute to the club’s struggle to secure promotion.
