Eddie Lewis is hoping to extend his stay at Northend in the aftermath of their play-off pain.

However the sombre mood surrounding Deepdale will have been partially alleviated with the news that Lewis is keen to sign a new deal with the club, as his current contract expires in the summer.

Championship winners Sunderland were rumoured to hold an interest in the former Fulham man, although he has now stated his desire to continue his development under Davies.

"Yes I hope so," Lewis replied when asked if he would stay with North End.

"Things have been sort of put on the backburner until these games were finished and now that they are hopefully over the next few days we can let things settle down and then we can get back into work.

"Not only as far as I'm concerned but getting a few of the lads signed up for next season to give it a real push."

Despite losing in the end-of-season competition Lewis remains optimistic for next term after being encouraged by North End's form in the run-in.

The American stated his belief that if the club bring in new faces they could count themselves amongst the real challengers for promotion next time around.

"Our form has been very consistent in the second half of the season," Lewis continued.

"We've brought in some good players who have really contributed and there's a fantastic team spirit so I don't understand why, over the course of a season, that we can't do it.

"Overall it has been a very good season and if I did have to take the positives away then everyone would be very happy with the way it went and the form we showed.

"The players we acquired have done well and I think if we bring in another one or two players who can contribute then it will be a very strong team for next season."

quotes taken from skysports news

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