[1] The season ended with Preston being promoted to the Championship via the play-offs, following a 4–0 win over Swindon Town at Wembley Stadium.

In his second summer in charge Simon Grayson signed 5 players permanently – Jamie Jones,[2] Calum Woods,[3] Jordan Hugill,[4] Andy Little[5] and Kyel Reid[6] and brought Paul Gallagher in on a season long loan.

Preston allowed 9 players to leave Deepdale during the summer, those being Chris Beardsley,[10] Shane Cansdell-Sherriff,[10] Ryan Croasdale,[10] Graham Cummins,[10] Iain Hume,[10] John Mousinho,[10] Alex Nicholson,[10] Nicky Wroe[10] and Stuart Beavon.

Preston found success in the Football League Trophy, reaching the Northern section final – losing 2–0 on aggregate to Walsall.

Meanwhile, in Preston's next 10 games, they won 4, drew 4 and lost 2 – although they did go on a 5 match winless run, culminating in a loss against Crawley Town.

In the FA Cup, Preston lost 3–1 to Manchester United,[28] despite taking the lead through Scott Laird.

Preston, who had never won in the playoffs in their previous nine appearances – which was a record at the time, beat Swindon Town 4–0 in the play-off final, including a hat-trick by Jermaine Beckford, winning promotion to the Championship.