Preston North End are enduring their worst starts to a league campaign in their history and in need of serious reinforcements.

One win, two draws, and nine losses have the Lilywhites rooted to the bottom of the league and with a very tough fixture schedule ahead of them, there seems to be no end in sight for their prolonging bad form.

Although their 1-1 draw with West Brom provided a positive foundation for Graham Alexander’s side, a very thin central midfield department is what stands between them and a good run.

With club captain Ali McCann out for the foreseeable future and no return date in sight due to a hamstring injury he suffered in August, Jordan Thompson and Leo Leroy are the only two senior natural central midfielders in the club ranks right now. 

Brad Potts filled out the central role at the weekend against ‘The Baggies’, is Matt sharpness levels are nowhere near optimal after coming back from an injury.

Preston North End have had to resort to the free agent market in search of depth, with ex-Charlton Atheltic midfielder Greg Docherty seemingly linked with a move to Deepdale.

After leaving the London base club in September by mutual consent the Scottish midfielder has been without a club since his departure and now looks set for a move to Lancashire.

But what does he actually bring? Many people will see this as a risk given his lack of game time this season, although he did play in a cup game this season for Nathan Jones’ side, before his contract termination. 

Yes, he will not be at the required fitness levels straight away but his experience and injury free record as of recent could suggest that the 30-year-old is more or less ready to go we’ve just a few sessions of training.

This is of course hypothetical as the rumours haven’t been confirmed, Vital Football understands that there is something in this story, however some digging around is still required.

Docherty’s key attributes are his athleticism and aggressive combative nature in the midfield, more aligned to that of a traditional number six – a position North End have severely lacked, failing to sign a natural defensive midfielder in the summer. 

His work rate and physicality makes him more suited to a deeper role, allowing Leo Leroy or Jordan Thompson license to roam forward and be a box-to-box option for Preston, allowing them more options in the attacking third. 

Combine this with his experience and leadership qualities, you can see why Graham Alexander could potentially have earmarked the Scottish midfielder for a free transfer.

It wouldn’t be the most defining signing that the Lancashire club has made, but it could be one that proves critical for the season ahead as Preston look to correct their wrongs of the season so far and push for safety. 

Again, not the most inspiring signing however at this stage, there isn’t exactly a plethora of stunning, Championship quality free agent central midfielders on the market right now. 

With the 30 year-old’s experience captaining his previous club to promotion and safety last season, his personality could be what’s missing from the changing room in its current climate.