The Sleeping Giant of Lancashire: How Preston North End Can Take the Next Step Under Ryan Lowe

Preston North End: one of the founding members of the footballing league. A club that is richly covered in past glory and memories. The invincible season of 1888-89 in which Preston North End completed the double of the league and cup whilst unbeaten, leaving them to be called ‘The Original Invincibles’ due to Arsenal’s invincible Premier League-winning season of 2003-04.

There have also been a fair share of notable names who have gone on to represent the Lilywhites, ranging from Bill Shankly as a player, who then went on to be one of Liverpool’s greatest ever managers, if not the best. Bobby Charlton was appointed as manager in 1973, in which he also represented the Lilywhites on the pitch for the 1974-75 season. But Tom Finney is the name that sticks around when Preston North End is mentioned.

One of England's greatest ever footballers and a man who devoted his footballing career to his hometown club, Finney retired at the end of the 1959-60 season after amassing over 420 games for the club. Without him, Preston were relegated to the second division of English football the following season after his retirement -- since their relegation in 1961, they have been unable to return to the top-flight of English football.

Now, there are many questions that need to be answered. How can Preston North End take the next step? To wake this sleeping giant. To bring this club to the promised land. To take Preston North End back to the top tier in which they conquered it twice.