A key time for Preston

Preston North End have addressed two areas that, from the outside, looked like they needed a refresh.

Paul Heckingbottom was able to make one addition in the last window following his appointment, but he's had time to assess what was needed over the last four months and left-sided players have come in.

Heckingbottom suggested to me this week that the squad he inherited are used to playing three at the back and largely, he's been happy to continue with that system, but now that Jayden Meghoma has arrived, it does look like they can comfortably play a back four with specialists on both sides.

Kaine Kesler-Hayden has switched from his favoured flank on the right to cover the left, largely because of a couple of injuries to Robbie Brady of late, but I think we can expect him to move back to his more natural position going forward.

Balance is key to any team and with Meghoma and Brady both fit and available to play, and Brad Potts not far off a return from injury, he'll have options to choose from on both sides without someone playing slightly out of their comfort zone.

Reflecting on the signings of Lewis Gibson on a permanent deal and the loan of Meghoma from Brentford, it's clear Heckingbottom would like to do more to mould the squad more to his liking but you sense that if there are more incomings, it could involve fringe players leaving to create the space.

Gibson's arrival leaves them with six senior centre-backs on the books. He's highly thought of and is here to play, you'd imagine he'll get a run of games to show what he's all about.

If they continue to play three centre-backs, it's direct competition in each spot, or is it too many to keep everyone happy? On a bench of nine, how many centre-backs do you realistically need?

A number of first-team players are out of contract in the summer. Some have been told that they won't be offered fresh terms for next year, but it doesn't necessarily mean that they'll leave this month in search of a new employer.

Andrew Hughes and Jordan Storey are the most recent two to extend their Deepdale stays, but we're waiting on key areas like the goalkeeping department, with Freddie Woodman's contract up in the summer.

Emil Riis is also out of contract and has been reportedly interesting clubs of late. Ryan Ledson, Liam Lindsay and Ched Evans – all Alex Neil signings - will also be free agents in the summer unless something is agreed.

There are others too, who have played their part in recent seasons, including Duane Holmes and, to a lesser extent, Patrick Bauer.

It's a key time for North End. We could see quite a turnover of personnel over the coming months, or deals may be struck to keep some of the players on who have served them over a number of years.

The feeling you get from talking to Paul Heckingbottom is that change might be a good thing.