Nervy and mistake-ridden at the back, outmaneouvered in midfield, slothful and lightweight up top. It was also noticeable that Preston had far more energy and application, allowing them to close us down backed by one of the best away followings we have seen at St. Andrews this season.

Is it a case of the manager using the wrong tactics or just having a small squad, or having too many loan players with no loyalty to the club? Troy Deeney looked slow and overweight and the Juke seems a far better bet up top at the moment, netting again. Kevin Long to be honest is a poor man’s George Friend and Krystian Bielik looks like he’s waiting to be somebody’s marquee signing as soon as he can get away.

These concerns are, of course just the tip of the iceberg with any dream of a takeover being replaced by owners who have no interest in the club other than a stock exchange interest. Yet the manager should also take some responsibility when you compare the value of our squad (albeit many of them loans) to that of a Preston side who outplayed us for most of the game and totally deserved their win.