Stoke City announce 'major change' ahead of Preston clash and Plymouth appoint new coach

Preston North End are continuing their preparations for their Sky Bet Championship clash with Stoke City.

The Lilywhites were due to play Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday but the game was postponed because of a fire that happened near the ground.

PNE have acted quickly by offering fans a refund on the match-day ticket, as well as a £15 contribution towards any travel costs that incurred for those who wish to attend the rearranged fixture. Preston North End were expected to take around 700 fans to the South Coast, despite the game being in midweek. 

Here’s the latest news from around the Championship in the build-up to the game against Stoke at the weekend. 

Stoke City make ‘major change’ 

Preston North End are at home against the Potters this weekend but should Stoke preserve their Championship status, then there will be some changes to bet365 Stadium according to StaffordshireLive. 

Since the stadium opened in 1997, players have run out from the tunnel which is next to the away fans. The Staffordshire club will now locate fans to a different area of the ground, moving them to a side. 

Home supporters at Stoke will now be behind both goals and there is a hope that they will be able to bring in standing area. A fan zone that will cost £1.5m is due to be built too. 

Plymouth Argyle appoint new coach

The Pilgrims are Preston North End’s next opponents after this weekend and they’ve got a new first-team coach. Simon Ireland has joined Ian Foster’s coaching staff. 

The 52-year-old as set-piece coach at Huddersfield Town under Darren Moore, and has held roles at Brighton, Nottingham Forest, QPR and Sheffield Wednesday. 

Commenting on the appointment, Neil Dewsnip said: “Although this appointment has taken time, we have always been adamant that we would wait for the right person, who could make a genuine difference, and 

in Simon we believe we have found that.

"I would like to welcome Simon to the club and wish him every success in his role.”

Sunderland star set to miss match

Corry Evans' return to action has hit a snag after he rolled his ankle in training. The Black Cats captain has not played for more than a year after an ACL injury but made a return to training in recent weeks.

“Corry rolled his ankle this morning, it’s nothing major, “ said Sunderland’s interim head coach Mike Dodds during Thursday’s press conference to our friends at the Sunderland Echo.

“There was a discussion about him playing or not playing but they just feel they are going to give him a couple of days. Corry isn’t playing on Monday but it’s more of a precaution than anything based on the fact he has been out for a period of time. Bradley Dack is playing on Monday.”

Latest TV selections in

At one point, Sky Sports couldn't get enough of Preston, but they have not been chosen for broadcast in the latest round of fixtures to be shown on television.

Friday 5 April - Rotherham United v Plymouth Argyle

Saturday 6 April - Norwich City v Ipswich Town

Tuesday 9 April - Leeds United v Sunderland and Millwall v Leicester City

Wednesday 10 April - Swansea City v Stoke City