You only get one chance to make a good first impression. Alex Neil certainly made sure that however this season pans out the first game will live in the memory as a show of attacking intent.
The shackles of the Simon Grayson era seem to be off and Neil who lined up Preston with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation has given his players freedom to play without the worry of what might come the other way.
Last season fans would have been horrified by a centre back partnership featuring Tommy Spurr but this season the attacking emphasis outweighs the defensive vulnerabilities.
Fisher made his debut at right back and showed an attacking intent. The midfield was solid with Pearson anchoring ahead of the defence. Johnson, Browne, Barkhuizen and Robinson supported Maguire who was also making his debut.
Preston should have taken the lead when Robinson was given space in the box for a free header. He tamely headed towards the keeper who made the save. Shortly after Preston managed to hit the woodowrk and Maguire also prodded wide.
North End were pressing Sheffied Wednesday and managed to get the breakthrough late on. Hugill on as a substitute was out through. He was pulled down in the box. The referee had given many of the contentious decisions to the visitors but this time he pointed to the spot.
Johnson converted the penalty and Preston held on for the win against a side that inished in the top six last season. It was a good start to the season and fans should not get carried away but the positivity was there for all to see.