Sunday 26th February
North End boss Billy Davies believes that a lack of a killer finish was the difference between his side and  runaway Championship leaders Reading at the Madejski. PNE lost 2-1 in Berkshire despite dominating the majority of the play, a similar outcome to the previous week when they lost to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup.

Outspoken Crystal Palace Chairman Simon Jordan is reportedly ready to stand down from his role at the Selhurst Park Club.

Monday 27th February
Preston are hopeful that their Club captain Chris Lucketti will return from injury in time for the visit of Ipswich Town. Lucketti was an absentee from the squad which visited Reading after picking up a groin strain in training but with Youl Mawene’s one-match suspension kicking in against the Tractor Boys, the services of the skipper will be needed.

Ian Holloway will stay on the Queens Park Rangers payroll for the remainder of the season, despite being replaced as manager by Gary Waddock.

Tuesday 28th February
With injuries and suspensions mounting, North End boss Billy Davies admits that he is still aiming to move into the emergency loans market to fill one or two gaps. Matt Hill, Callum Davidson and Youl Mawene are all suspended for the Ipswich game whilst Chris Lucketti is nursing a groin strain. “We want to give ourselves as many options as possible and we will see if we can add to the squad,” said the Scotsman.

Wigan Chairman Dave Whelan is to ask manager Paul Jewell to ‘name the length’ of his contract as he begins contract negotiations.

Wednesday 1st March
Preston North End’s Youth Team progress to the semi-finals of the Lancashire Youth Cup following a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over Tranmere Rovers. The scores were locked at 1-1 thanks to an Ashley Stott goal but the youngsters triumphed 6-5 on a penalty shoot-out. On the same night David Nugent made his first start for the England Under-21s in a 3-1 win over Reading.

Everton are set to offer Sunderland’s Liam Lawrence a Premiership lifeline. The former Mansfield man has impressed with the Black Cats this season.
Dates For Your Diary
Sunday 5th March – Paul McKenna’s Testimonial Ten Pin Bowling Night at the Lakeside Ten Pin Bowling centre. For more info contact Geoff Ollerton on 07732927265. Monday 13th March – Claude Davis attends the Lancaster Supporters Club Meeting, Melbourne Club, Lancaster 7.30pm. Thursday 16th March – Simon Whaley and Chris Sedgwick attend a Healthy Lifestyle seminar at Balshaws High School


Charlie Wayman
One of Preston North End’s greatest strikers Charlie Wayman sadly passed away this week at the age of 83. Charlie was a member of the so-called ‘holy trinity’ of Preston North End with Tom Finney and Andy Beattie in the 1950s. He will be remembered at today’s game with a one minutes silence prior to kick-off.

Charlie Wayman arrived at Deepdale in September 1950 after showing prolific form at both Newcastle United and Southampton previously.

Wayman took three games to notch his first goal for his new club, his first strike coming against Notts County in a league game, with a huge crowd turning out to watch the action. An energetic, but slightly diminutive player, Wayman forged an electric partnership with Finney and Beattie, helping Preston North End to win promotion in 1950/51. He had already served notice of his impending greatness during his first season at Deepdale, when scoring four first half goals against Queens Park Rangers in a Christmas Day fixture at Loftus Road. He ended that intial campaign having scored twenty-seven goals, thus securing his affections amongst the Deepdale faithful.

Another sparkling statistic to emerge from Wayman’s prolific goalscoring record with Preston North End, was the fact he managed to score in every round during North End’s historic run to the 1954 FA Cup Final. A few short months later, and six games into the 1954/55 season, manager, Frank Hill created uproar in the town when transferring Wayman to Middlesbrough. What baffled the fans most about his departure was the fact he had already scored six goals during the early season campaign, with the promise of lots more goals to come, judging by the form he was in. Wayman had averaged two goals in every three games for Preston North End and finished up having scored 117 goals in 171 league and cup matches.

Preston North End Football Club would like to pass on condolences to Charlie’s family and friends.