Rafa signing policy hailed by Grayson

PRESTON North End manager Simon Grayson believes Rafa Benitez’s astute business in the summer transfer window is the reason they stand on the verge of promotion to the Premier League, writes SEAN McCORMICK.

Newcastle could seal promotion to the Premier League on Monday evening – if results go their way this weekend – but they will have to overcome Grayson’s Preston side.

Benitez’s men are without a win in their last three games, but are still six points clear of thirdplaced Reading with three games remaining.

But Grayson paid tribute to Newcastle’s summer transfer business, suggesting it is a major reason why they are closing in on a Premier League return.

However, he is confident his side will make it uncomfortable for the Magpies on Monday.

He told PNE PlayerHD: “I think Rafa Benitez has got players in to cope with the Championship and who know how to get out of it.

“People will say they have spent a lot of money but they have replaced people they have lost for large sums and balanced the books. It has gone a long way to getting them back in the Premiership, but we want to do something about that.

“Hopefully my players will go out and make it as uncomfortable a night as possible for the Newcastle players.”

Preston were looking like late runners in the play-off bid, but three successive defeats have dented their promotion bid.

“We always knew that this was going to be a tough month,” added Grayson. “We don’t want to undermine the good work we have done all season by finishing in a poor manner.

“Regardless of what Newcastle can do and what they can achieve, we are going there to perform better than we have done recently.”

The two side have met twice this season already, with Newcastle thrashing Preston 6-0 in the EFL Cup fourth round, as well as beating them 2-1 at Deepdale in the league.

Grayson is hopeful of a more positive result this time around.

“I think second half we absolutely dominated the game without getting anything out of it,” he added.

“It is going to be a different type of game at St James’ Park with their 50,000 fans cheering them on.”