BBC Radio Lancashire's Andy Bayes on the energy and optimism coursing through the Preston North End squad.
Preston North End have made a highly impressive start. Tipped by many to be strugglers, they have delivered strong, consistent performances and are rightly sitting in fourth spot.
You could put a case forward that North End should be two points better off after conceding a stoppage-time equaliser to Middlesbrough.
But, on the other hand, a miraculous save by Dan Iversen prevented Bristol City from leaving Deepdale with three points at the end of September.
All in all, the Deepdale faithful have no cause for complaint.
Paul Heckingbottom was crystal clear that last season's squad had to be broken up and that it needed a significant refresh. It's had that – and some.
On Saturday, it was the chance for summer recruits Andrija Vukcevic, Thierry Small and Daniel Jebbison to grab the headlines. In previous weeks it has been Pol Valentin, Alfie Devine or Lewis Dobbin who have had the limelight.
The return of Iversen to the goalkeeping department has been a masterstroke. A player familiar with the club, a player who feels at home, a player who feels valued and wanted.
He didn't have a shot to save on Saturday but was a commanding presence when required.
Harrison Armstrong made his full home debut against Charlton. A quick look at his ability shows he's got all the attributes to go to the top.
He's a player who makes the game look easy. Always in space, always with the pictures in his mind of how to get his team on the front foot.
While it's important to rightly recognise the new injection of talent in the squad, it is also crucial not to forget the long-serving players too.
Jordan Storey and Andrew Hughes are in season number eight as North Enders. Both have been outstanding, with Lewis Gibson in between them as part of a solid back three.
Club captain Ben Whiteman was a target for the 'boo-boys' last season on occasions. He's not put a foot wrong this season.
And Ali McCann is simply Ali McCann. A player who gives absolutely everything for the cause. He covers every blade of grass with tenacity, and I'm convinced that he's underrated in terms of what he offers.
The Milutin Osmajic situation is one that hopefully will be a lot clearer by the time the international break is over.
He answered FA charges in London last month relating to being accused of racism in February. Paul Heckingbottom told me on Saturday just how important it is that a verdict is reached soon.
"It could have/should have been dealt with a long time ago," Heckingbottom said.
"I think when there is something this important and the topic is important, it rightly means a lot to a lot of people.
"We've got two lads' careers, and they're trying to get on with it. We would have loved for it to have been sorted one way or another and moved on, but it's not. Hopefully we'll get to the bottom of it soon."
As the managerial sacking season gets into full swing, it probably marks the end of another time-honoured phrase, "it's very early in the season".
North End have made an excellent start, and for anyone dreaming of making the Championship play-offs for the first time since 2009, is it really out of the question?
Category: General Sports
