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It'll be tougher - Irvine
Preston North End, 11:15, July 3, 2009 ,
Boss Alan Irvine is warning fans of a tough season ahead given Preston's financial position compared to their Championship rivals.
The Deepdale chief's comments appear to suggest keeping hold of his best players is Irvine's priority rather than bringing in fresh faces.
The Scot told the Evening Post: "It is going to be an extremely difficult task to repeat what Preston did last season. It is going to be hard to improve on that.
"We have to appreciate where we are I think. This season, the competition could be even fiercer. And with Newcastle and Middlesbrough, two giant clubs in there, it is going to be massively difficult to compete against clubs of those resources."
Irvine added: "There are others in the division who have a lot more money than they did last year because they've had fresh investment. That almost certainly means that there will be more teams competing for the top six this year."
Irvine is fully committed to North End after rejecting the chance to join West Brom as Tony Mowbray's replacement this week.