Athletic grapple with fate

Sean Gregan towers in the affections of both sets of supporters at Deepdale tonight (7.45pm kick-off) for a an npower League One game of great significance.

Preston’s 3-0 win over Scunthorpe on Saturday means that North End now need one win to be certain of staying up. Athletic need three points to pull away from the bottom four.

Given the lack of leadership bemoaned by manager Lee Johnson, Athletic could do with a larger-than-life character like Gregan right now.

If Athletic are to push Preston to submission tonight, the sort of battling show so often put on by the imposing former skipper must be replicated by Athletic’s more experienced players.

“It’s mental toughness,” said Johnson, who placed part of the blame on his own shoulders following the home defeat by Carlisle on Saturday.

While Johnson is still settling into his first managerial role, experienced Preston manager Simon Grayson seems to have found his feet quickly at Deepdale.

Athletic can’t afford to be weak limbed in this battle. North End were going nowhere fast under the stewardship of Graham Westley, the ex-Leeds and Huddersfield boss has suffered only two defeats in the past nine games.

Athletic, though, are still wrestling with very real relegation concerns.

While home form has been woeful, tonight’s rearranged fixture at least provides a chance for respite on the road.

Johnson will hope his tinkering has the desired effect in picking the team back off the canvas.