Irvine: Lilywhites merit respect

11 June 2009 15:06
North End made the play-offs after a stunning run of form towards the end of the campaign which culminated in them pipping Cardiff to sixth place on the final day. Irvine's men subsequently lost to Sheffield United in the play-off semi-finals but there was undeniable progress at Deepdale. Irvine said: "There's no doubt that people see us differently than they saw us last year when there were a number of players and agents who thought we would be in a relegation battle. "This year that isn't what people are thinking. There's no guarantee that that won't happen but clearly people look at us in a different light and see us more as a team who can be challenging at the top end of the table."

Source: Team_Talk