Friday 20th January
Preston North End will once again be without the services of Brian O’Neil and Matt Hill for the trip to Burnley’s Turf Moor. Both players are nursing mid-term injuries, as is Frenchman Eric Skora who limped off from reserve duty at Tranmere in midweek.

West Brom are linked with a move for former PNE striker David Healy who is now at Leeds United.

Saturday 21st January
It’s Saturday but there is no third signing. Despite this Billy Davies is hopeful of more signings: “We’ve got one or two transfer irons in the fire and we’re making one or two enquiries.

“You think you’re nearly there and then something happens and you get knocked back so we are very much active at the moment trying to bring in a new face or two.”

Crystal Palace are reportedly keen on Wolves’ Scottish midfielder Colin Cameron who has been told that he can leave Molineux on a free transfer.

Sunday 22nd January
Preston boss Billy Davies praises his side after a training ground move breaks the deadlock in the 2-0 win over local rivals Burnley.

“It’s nice to get a set-piece working. We work very hard at set-pieces and it was a tremendous goal,” said Davies.

“The lads work so hard and they actually listen, apart from Nugent who doesn’t listen from time to time! They’re a great bunch.”

Norwich City are supposedly keen on Coventry City’s Gary McSheffrey as a replacement for West Ham bound Dean Ashton.

Monday 23rd January
Davies is pleased with the progress his side are making in what has been a season of transition for the Lilywhites. He said: “There have been lots of changes, lots of players missing through illness and injury, the short rest period in the summer didn’t help us but I think the achievement so far has been excellent, considering what we’ve been through but there’s a long way to go.”

Newcastle are close to sacking Graeme Souness according to reports with Bolton’s Sam Allardyce the man tipped to take over.

Tuesday 24th January
Paul McKenna reckons that North End need nine more league victories to secure themselves a place in the Championship Play-Offs. The midfielder says: “We’ve spoken about it and we’re looking at nine wins to guarantee ourselves in the play-offs. The sooner we can get them the better.”

Tottenham’s Irish defender Stephen Kelly says he may have to quit Spurs if he doesn’t get a regular starting spot, Kelly has previously been linked with a move to PNE.

Wednesday 25th January
PNE boss Billy Davies admits that he may have to play some of his youth team in the FA Cup tie with Crystal Palace after several players are ruled out of contention for the game. Preston could have up to six players missing through injury suspension or being cup-tied.

Real Madrid are the first club to be linked with Sven Goran Eriksson, the England manager departs his job with the FA after the World Cup.

Dates For The Diary
Paul McKenna’s Testimonial Boxing Night

Following on from the success of his golf day, McKenna is holding a War of the Roses Boxing tournament on Wednesday 8th February at Preston Guild Hall.

Tickets are just £50 per person and include a three course meal, sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information contact Trish Brockbank on 07901 857141.