Fans Favourite – Brian Deane

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Exiled Blades fan Emma Gilks follows the fortunes of Sheffield United from afar these days, but even though she lives in Toronto she has plenty of good memories of a player who earned himself an England cap after his exploits for the club.

My favourite United player of all time would have to be Brian Deane. Even though he defected to that other team in Yorkshire I would have to say his goals helped secure promotion and I don’t think his partnership with Agana has been matched since.

We got him from Doncaster Rovers and although he was a little bit rough around the edges when we first got him he developed into one of the most feared strikers outside of the top flight and continued to be prolific with the Blades when we got in there. He’ll go down in history as the first man to score in the Premiership when he scored after four minutes or so against Manchester United.

Don’t forget he played for England and after he failed to get the goals at Elland Road we got him back for almost half the price we received when he went up the road and he continued to score the goals for us, in total I think he managed to get 119 Blades goals.

Deano was also part of the side that played in my favorite game as a Sheffield United fan and it would have to be my most memorable moment. That would have to be United gaining promotion to the old First Division – last day of the season at Leicester and we won 5-2 which guaranteed promotion. After each of the five goals, Blades would invade the pitch with their fancy dress costumes. I hope this moment can be experienced again at the end of this season!

Brian didn’t score my favorite goal though, that has to be Paul Peschisolido’s against Forest in the 2003 Play Off Semi-Final.  At half time we were 2-0 down everybody was so low and thoughts of getting through to the final were slim.  However we got back to 2-2 and then Peschy scored a fantastic goal to make it 3-2, the ground went wild and I think his celebration reflected how much the goal meant to him and the Blades.

Emma Gilks

You’ve Got Mail – Callum Davidson

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Have you got a pair of Nugent’s shooting boots on loan?
Stephen Hollinghurst, Farington
I don’t think so but I think he is getting a bit worried that I am going to catch him soon so I think he will stop passing to me.

Can you recommend a good night out in Scotland?
Mike Scully
To be honest with you, I’m married with two kids and I don’t really know.

If you were to choose another profession what would that be?
Christine Falconer
A professional golfer or it would have to be something to do with sport, there’s nothing else I can do really.

When you play on the Playstation what is your favourite game?
Dave Ralph
Never played on it and I never will.

After your recent purple patch, do you think you can steal the boots from Dave Nugent at the end of the season?
Ben Gooderham
Absolutely no chance, I think I will leave that one for him.

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If you had to go on karaoke what would you sing?
Scott Mould
Considering I can’t sing a single note and I don’t know a single song I would probably have to sing Flower of Scotland as it is the only one I know the words to.

Do you prefer to play left-back or left-wing?
Adam and Alan Kenyon
To be honest with you I don’t really mind, I’ve played left-back all of my career but I am quite enjoying playing on the left-side of midfield at the moment, obviously getting the goals is not too bad either.

What song did you choose as your first dance at your wedding?
Alan Myers
Have I Told You Lately by Van Morrison

What do you think of the new song which was sung to you at Crewe?
Mike
I thought it was great. To be honest with you I didn’t realise we had that many supporters there I thought we just had the one end and then we had all of one side as well, it was great, a good atmosphere, especially when we went 2-0 up, the fans were that close that I actually enjoyed it.

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How frustrating is it seeing Grezza playing in your position for Scotland?
Emma Baldock
Not frustrating at all, Graham has done fantastically well, especially when he has been playing for Scotland he has been brilliant. It would be nice to get on the bench and play a few games and push him but I think Graham has done excellent there, maybe he can move to the right and I can go on the left, that would be better.

Why are you scoring so many goals
Sean, Bacup
And what’s it like being a goal machine?
Charlie Yates
I have absolutely no idea why I am scoring so many goals but long may it continue.

Do you think Scotland can qualify for the World Cup ever again?
Caaren Loten
Of course, if we get England, Wales and Ireland in the group then I think we will qualify.

Are you in favour of Celtic and Rangers playing in the Premier League?
Dan Shaw
It’s a difficult question. I think it would ruin Scottish football if they joined the Premier League but on the other side of it I think they are too big for Scotland. They get 60,000 fans per game and the rest only get 10,000, the gap is massive but I think if they left then it would be very difficult for teams in Scotland to survive.

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What does it feel like to walk out of the tunnel at Deepdale?
Matt Carr, Preston
It’s a great feeling walking out on any tunnel at any game, playing a game is a great feeling in front of the fans on the pitch. Deepdale is a great footballing surface so it is really good.

Who in your opinion is Scotland’s greatest ever player?
Ed Monkey
I think it is Kenny Dalglish. He played for his country all through his career, over 100 caps and 30 goals and he never let his country down. There may have been better players but he was always there playing for Scotland whenever he could and did it all for Liverpool as well.

Where would you prefer to live Edinburgh or Glasgow?
Andy Fishwick
Neither, I’d prefer to live in Dunblane where I am from. I actually lived in Edinburgh for two and a half years so I would probably go with that one.

Who is the trickiest winger you have ever had to play against?
Gary, Walton-le-Dale
Brian Laudrup because he was so quick and strong, I couldn’t really get near him when he was playing for Rangers. Also a young Iain Anderson when he was 17 years old playing for Dundee he was absolutely on fire, he was another player I had difficulty against.

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You have obviously been very successful throughout your career, but does coming north for the Spicy Cup every summer and going home empty handed every year mean that you find it hard to motivate yourself for the long season ahead?
Gary Gruber, Head Greenkeeper, The Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle
I’m sure that will change this year when we go north. I’ll need to get practicing a bit more and my team-mate Ian McCallum has got to improve but we will go into it with full of confidence and we are going to absolutely dust you!

What is your favorite thing on television?
Gabriel Malherbe
The TV series 24.

If you had to choose anyone to leave Preston who would it be?
Josh Gardner
It would probably be the Gaffer going to AC Milan and then he could take me with him.

Have you got any over the top celebrations planned if you keep on scoring?
Paul, Morecambe
No chance, I’ll be lucky if I score another one!

Can you cook haggies, neeps and tats?
Warren Haddy
Of course, all Scots can.

Have you ever played golf at St Andrews and if so what is your best round?
Ian Whittel
I’ve played all the courses except the old one but I can’t remember what my best round is there.

What is the highlight of your career so far?
Bernadette Pye
Winning the leagues with St Johnstone and Leicester and coming second and getting promoted with Leicester and beating England at Wembley.

Do you agree that PNE are better than Blackburn Rovers?
B Pye
I don’t think that league tables lie, at the moment Blackburn are better but hopefully in a couple of years time Preston will be better.

As a youngster starting out in the the game you tried to be a physical player but were a bit weedy and had to rely on your older brother to look out for you on the pitch if you upset other players with your reckless tackling.
Who, at Preston, have you got that special relationship with where they will step in to help you when you get yourself into trouble with some of the bigger players in the league like, Dennis Wise.
Royal Dornoch Professional Shop
I have probably to say that I looked after my older brother but at Preston any of the big guys I will try and be friendly with. Cressy was always one that would stick up for me, I would probably have to get my travelling partner Danny Dichio to stick up for me, he’s 6ft 6 inches.

Do you think you could win one of the celebrity reality TV shows like Big Brother, I’m A Celebrity or Celebrity Love Island?
Jamie HartI would probably only go on one of those if my career started to fall.

Which of your team-mates is most likely to pull on a night out?
Kate Fallows
Any of the single lads.

I hear you were a pretty good golfer. But due to being hen pecked you no longer play. Is there any chance of you selling your driver?
Andy Davidson
That’s my brother. No doubt if I go up the road he will probably take it off me.

Jordan once rated you as the ugliest player in the Scottish Squad, in fact
compared you to Jar Jar Binks from Star Wars how do you feel about this
and is there anything you would do plastic surgery wise to improve or are
you happy with your lot?
Duncan, Dunblane
Well Duncan I think you would have to take a look at yourself first and try and stay off the pies.

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If you had to be a tag team in WWE wrestling which player would you take as your tag-team partner?
Laraine Atkinson
I’d probably take Brian O’Neil, ‘Big Chunky’, he’s my big chunky team-mate and I think that he’d be pretty good in the wrestling ring.

Could you still play in the Premier League?
Paul G
Yes I think so if I can stay fit and hopefully I will have a chance to do it with Preston.

Do you consider that you are now playing some of the best football of your career? Stephen, Penwortham
I wouldn’t say so. I would say that I have been pretty consistent throughout my career. I feel that I am the fittest I have been for three or four years and hopefully that is beginning to come through in the games and hopefully I can keep going the way I am going and maybe bang in a few more goals.

If you could ask a question to any player in the squad who would it be and what would you ask them?
I’d probably ask Brian O’Neil where he got his clothes from and Danny Dichio has he got a car?

Press Release – Footballs For Schools

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Preston North End Set To Launch Second Phase Of Mini Whites Initiative – Footballs For Schools

Following on from last season’s flagship success of Preston North End’s Mini Whites scheme, the club are now set to launch phase two, ‘Footballs For Schools’.

The Mini Whites initiative which saw thousands of under eights attend PNE games last season absolutely free was an unqualified success, the scheme had almost 1000 members in its first full season and 69 per cent of youngsters no longer eligible for the scheme this season graduated to junior season ticket holders.

The thinking behind the Mini Whites is to get local fans supporting their local club and that is a process which has now been adopted by the Football League with the game’s authorities encouraging all clubs in the Football League to allow kids into games for free.

Following on from last season’s groundbreaking success Preston North End are now taking the scheme one step further by giving out thousands of free Preston North End footballs to Primary schools in the local area.

As part of the Club’s Deepdale Duck Roadshow, Preston North End will be giving five PNE branded Mitre footballs to the 300 Primary schools in the area. Not only that, but if and when the balls are worn out, Preston North End will replace them free of charge!

The Deepdale Duck Roadshow took the Preston North End message to almost 40,000 young fans last season and it aims to repeat that this season. This year the scheme has been sponsored by Total and it promises to be bigger and better.

Not only will North End be giving out the footballs to all schools but all children in attendance will receive a goody bag which includes Preston North End wristbands, posters, fun books and car stickers.

The scheme will be launched this coming Monday 5th December at Preston’s Holme Slack Primary School where Preston North End captain Chris Lucketti and winger Chris Sedgwick will giving out the first set of footballs to the youngsters while the Deepdale Duck will also be performing his Roadshow.

Football League Chairman Lord Mawhinney said: “Preston North End have been hugely influential in the development of our Fans of the Future initiative, their Mini-Whites scheme helped set the template for clubs across The Football League to follow.

“I know that their scheme has been tremendously successful in encouraging more and more young fans to watch games at Deepdale and I hope that other clubs enjoy similar results.”

Preston North End’s Community Development Manager Andrea Troake said: “The success of the Deepdale Duck Roadshow and the Mini Whites scheme last season exceeded expectations, with 69% of graduates of the scheme purchasing season tickets.

“This season we wanted to reward the schools for their help in promoting the scheme and allowing the Deepdale Duck Roadshow into their schools yet again. By giving each school five PNE branded Mitre footballs it is hoped that the pupils will take an interest in physical activity as well as Preston North End FC.

“Already attendances this season have shown an increase on previous seasons and we hope this continues as more children join the Mini Whites following a visit by Deepdale Duck to their school.”

Ends

Chris Lucketti, Chris Sedgwick and Andrea Troake will all be available for interview at Holme Slack Primary School, Manor House Lane, Preston, PR1 6HP from 2.00pm on Monday 5th December. Photo opportunities with the players, Deepdale Duck and the PNE branded balls will also be available.

For more information contact the Press Office on 0870 442 1964; by fax on 01772 693366 or by email media@pne.com

Editors Notes

  • Number of expired mini whites (children registered under the mini whites scheme, not necessarily mini whites season ticket holders) 118. Number of expired mini whites who are now registered as junior season ticket holders 82. This equates to a massive 68.88% of new paying junior season ticket holders through the mini whites scheme.
  • In only 10 months the `Mini Whites’ scheme saw the club’s number of registrations under the age of 8 grow from 86 to 948 – with approximately 80% attending matches on a regular basis.
  • 69% of youngsters who have graduated from the scheme went on to buy a season ticket.
  • The Mini-Whites scheme is free to join and once a member children can attend all home league games for free by either getting tickets on a match by match basis or by getting a season ticket at the start of the season.
  • Being a member of the Mini Whites scheme saves the child up to £6.50 on a match by match ticket or £125 on a season ticket. This is available for as many children in the family as are eligible. Therefore a family with 3 children under 8 years will save £375 per season.
  • Total’s sponsorship of the Deepdale Duck Roadshow is one of a number of partnerships involving Preston North End including work with the Playing For Success scheme and also sponsoring the Club’s Community Stand.

THE DEEPDALE DIARY – 9th November 2005

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November
Preston North End secure the services of long-serving midfielder Paul McKenna on a new and improved three-and-a-half year deal. The local born player is currently celebrating his testimonial year and joins Brian O’Neil, Chris Lucketti and Graham Alexander in signing new deals.

Blackpool boss Colin Hendry looks set for the sack after defeat to Doncaster in the FA Cup and PNE in the Lancs Cup.

Thursday 10th November
Billy Davies says that his side have lacked the killer instinct in the opening few months, this despite his side now being unbeaten in seven and with only four defeats in 18 games. He said: “Due to little breaks and things not going for us and not getting that little killer instinct, we’ve been unfortunate to draw a number of games that we should have won.”

Birmingham City are the latest club to be linked with a big money move for Sheffield United captain Phil Jagielka.

Friday 11th November
A double departure at Deepdale as Dickson Etuhu and Eric Skora both leave on loan deals. Etuhu joins Norwich for two months with a view to a permanent deal whilst Skora moves down the M6 to link up with League One Walsall in search of first team football.

Argentinean defender Roberto Ayala says that in Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen England have the best strike partnership in the world.

Saturday 12th November
Eric Skora makes a dream start to life at the Bescot Stadium with a goal on his debut. The local papers are comparing him to Christoph Dugarry and Walsall boss Paul Merson tells the press that the Frenchman is destined for the Premiership if he continues in the same vein of form.

It’s reported that Manchester United’s dressing room was bugged and conversations recorded during their recent win over Chelsea.

Sunday 13th November
Preston North End are in a ‘transition period’ according to PNE boss Billy Davies. The loss of Cresswell and Lewis as well as the temporary loss of David Nugent have hit Preston hard: “Those players were good for 49 goals between them last season so once they were gone that was our cutting edge gone too.”

Spurs are waiting in the wings should Arjen Robben be given the boot at Stamford Bridge after falling out with Jose Mourinho.

Monday 14th November
Norwich boss Nigel Worthington confirms that the Dickson Etuhu deal is likely to be a permanent one. Meanwhile the midfielder tells Norwich’s website that he can’t wait to get started: “I’m very impressed with the facilities here and I’m looking forward to using them now.”

The Mirror reports that Bryan Robson is set for a £2m raid on former club Manchester United to get Kieran Richardson.

Tuesday 15th November
PNE boss Billy Davies says that competition for places ahead of the game with Cardiff is ‘fierce’. He said: “we’ve got guys coming back into full fitness, which is vital for us, and competition will again become very fierce.”

Sheffield United are set to offer Neil Warnock a £300,000 wage rise to stop him from joining Portsmouth according to the Daily Star.

Wednesday 16th November
PNE include Adam Nowland and Jemal Johnson in their reserve line-up to take on Bury at Deepdale. Nowland has been out of action since limping off with a groin strain at Bury and Johnson was unlucky to miss out at Leeds United a fortnight ago.

Everton insist that their manager David Moyes will not be leaving the club to take charge of Scottish giants Rangers.

Dates For Your Diary
Wednesday 23rd November – Patrick Agyemang and Claude Davis join Liberty X in turning on the Preston Christmas lights.

Thursday 24th November – David Nugent, Chris Sedgwick and Tyrone Mears sign autographs at pneshop.com from 6.30pm.

Friday 25th November – Ned Kelly is over the hill as he celebrates his 40th birthday!

Wednesday 30th November – Paul McKenna’s Testimonial Bingo Night at Deepdale Labour Club – Eyes Down 7.30pm admission £2.

THE DEEPDALE DIARY – 21st October 2005

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Friday 21st October
Billy Davies is boosted by the news that Youl Mawene and Dickson Etuhu are set to return to the first team fold for the trip to Molineux. Both players missed out on the trip to Cardiff with a virus.

Tony Adams tells the Daily Mirror that he is ready to take over at Middlesbrough or Southampton if the jobs become available.

Saturday 22nd October
Dickson Etuhu returns to action with a goal at Wolves one season after he was sent-off at Molineux. The big midfielder comes on as a substitute for the injured Adam Nowland and powers home a header within minutes in the 1-1 draw with Glenn Hoddle’s side.

According to The Sun, Manchester United’s coaching staff fear that Sir Alex Ferguson will quit the club next season.

Sunday 23rd October
North End boss Billy Davies tells the press that the Lilywhites should have won their Championship clash with Wolves. He said: “In the second half we controlled the game but then we hit the post and that was the turning point because if that had gone in, it would have been game over”

Depending on which newspaper you read Arsenal’s Thierry Henry may or may not be signing a £200,000 a week deal with Chelsea next season.

Monday 24th October
Billy Davies says that he hopes to have more firepower for the forthcoming game with Leicester City. North End have a full week to prepare for the fixture and that should give the injured Lilywhites players more time to recover.

West Ham boss Alan Pardew is poised to move for Ipswich Town’s Dean Bowditch for £1m according to the Daily Mirror.

Tuesday 25th October
Crewe boss Dario Gradi says that his club have no interest in pursuing a swap deal with PNE for striker Steve Jones. Billy Davies however tells pne.com that he has made no offer of such a deal and that he only expressed an interest in Jones.

Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele is confident that he and his team-mates can break Arsenal’s record of 49 unbeaten games.

Wednesday 26th October
Youl Mawene tells Whites World that it is the small details that make the difference in the Championship as his side look forward to the Leicester game. The Frenchman says: “We all know what this league is all about. Sometimes it’s the little details and if you lose the small detail, you lose the game.”

West Ham boss Alan Pardew is rewarded with a new five year deal at Upton Park following the Hammers’ encouraging start to the Premiership season.

Thursday 27th October
Billy Davies has five injury worries ahead of the Leicester City game with Adam Nowland, Lewis Neil, Chris Lucketti, Brian O’Neil and David Nugent all facing a race against time to be fit for the weekend.

West Ham are targeting Glenn Johnson and John Hartson to return to Upton Park during the transfer window.

Friday 28th October
It’s a busy day at North End as the club announce four deals. The first is a one-month loan deal for Blackburn’s Jemal Johnson, a 20-year-old American born striker who has scored six goals in nine starts for Rovers’ reserves.

At the other end of the spectrum North End’s experienced trio of Graham Alexander, Chris Lucketti and Brian O’Neil all sign one-year extensions to their contracts.

Dates For Your Diary – Season Ticket Holders Fans Forum Event
First of 4 events in The Great Room at Preston North End FC on Wednesday 16th November 2005 from 7pm – 8.30pm.  Doors open at 6.30pm and the topic for discussion  will be retail (shop, tickets, mypne). Put your questions to the General Manager – Ben Rhodes, Shop Manager – Warren Bennett, Ticket Office Manager  – Karen Bentham  and Marketing Manager – Andrew Pomfret.

Entry strictly by ticket only. Tickets available in exchange for relevant voucher in the back of season ticket book from PNEShop.com. Tickets limited and issued on a first come first served basis

Quotes: Billy Davies On Steve Jones Rumours

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It’s like everything else, there’s lots of speculation but we don’t want to go talking about possible enquiries that we have made and possible targets. We have made several enquries, we have made phonecalls to certain people, we certainly know about Jones at Crewe and about other strikers, for example Jansen at Blackburn and different people like that. We have been making lots of phonecalls but with regards to the speculation there is nothing that has took place and there is nothing in it as far as I am concerned with regards to this player coming to us, it is more or less enquiries that have been made and he is a player, there is no doubt about it, that we do admire and that we like.

It would be nice to announce it when things are done, what we can’t do is talk about the speculation in the papers with either players coming to the club or players leaving the club because it has been happening an awful lot since the start of the season and it gets to a point where we have got to really move on and say that until something is official and something is done then we can make an announcement. As yet all we can turn round and tell the fans is that we have been making lots of enquiries and with regards to our own players leaving the club, if anybody is leaving the club the information will come from us first and from us only.

Fans Favourite – Billy Whitehurst

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The next time you hear somebody say the words ‘Billy’ and ‘Whitehurst‘ in the same sentence, be sure to pay close attention to how they say them. Chances are if spoken by a former player you’ll see a shaking of the head followed by an audible sigh. If it is someone who observed Billy from the terraces then a look of wild excitement will invariably race across their face as they steam headlong into an anecdote that you couldn’t possibly think true. Such reactions say a lot about the man.

It is customary in pieces such as this to state that the term legend is grossly overused and you’ll hear no argument from me there. Indeed, increasingly so it seems any skinny player with long sleeves and an even longer fringe that produced a back heel or two receives the accolade. Billy Whitehurst, or Rambo Billy as he was gloriously named by then Tigers’ Chairman Don Robinson for his physical likeness to the Sylvester Stallone character, was different. He represented what all football fans could achieve if they worked at their game…. all football fans blessed with a huge gorilla-like frame and fearless mental attitude, that is.

Plucked from the building site and semi-professional football with Mexborough Town, Tigers fans soon learned to overlook the fact he didn’t possess the skills normally associated with football legends. Indeed, he was what can only be described as ‘uncompromising’ and his second touch was often a tackle – and oh how we loved him for it. We loved the way he picked up the ball with his back to goal, turned and rampaged his way through a backpeddling opposition defence before smashing the ball past the bewildered keeper (69 goals in 252 games in a City shirt). We loved the fact that when the opposition viewed our teamsheet and saw his name, the game was won there and then and we had another victory during what was a golden period. But we especially loved the tales from colleagues old and new about his astonishing off-field antics.

My own abiding memory of Sir William centres around him returning to the Tigers via a long list of clubs in 1988 as part of the deal that took wonderkeeper Tony Norman to Roker Park (Billy originally left in 1985 to Newcastle Utd for a then record fee for both clubs). I eagerly entered Boothferry Park to witness his second debut versus Ipswich (1-1, Whitehurst scored, naturally) but my eyes were elsewhere than the hallowed turf. I looked up at the opposite end of the stadium in wonderment as my eyes fixed upon the huge spray-painted letters proclaiming the legend  ‘Rambo Billy’. Word had it that an inspired group of the citizens of Hull had broken into the stadium in the dead of night to let Billy know what his return home meant to us. The very same graffiti remained visible until the day we left our famous old home for pastures new, some15 years later. The signing of no player before or since has provoked anything like such a reaction among the City faithful. Billy Whitehurst – legend indeed.

Gary Bolton

‘Alan Shearer’s got my shirt: the Billy Whitehurst story’ by Rob Finch is released in November 2005.

THE DEEPDALE DIARY – 19th October 2005

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Wednesday 19th October
After the 2-2 draw with Cardiff City the following eveing PNE boss Billy Davies questions the two-free kick decisions which led to the goals for the Bluebirds. PNE came from behind twice to grab a point at Ninian Park

Leeds United are lining up former England keeper David Seaman to be the goalkeeping coach at Elland Road.

Thursday 20th October
After scoring his first goal of the season Tyrone Mears tells Whites World that he is happy to play anywhere in the team so long as he is playing. The youngster is currently enjoying a spell on the right of midfield in front of Graham Alexander.

The Daily Mirror reports that Crewe are ready to sell their Northern Ireland international striker Steve Jones to either PNE or Plymouth.

Friday 21st October
Preston North End are hit with the news that Andy Lonergan will be out for the rest of the season after injuring his right knee once again. The England Under-21 keeper had been performing well during a loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers.

Portsmouth switch their attention to Chelsea’s out of favour striker Carlton Cole after being linked with David Nugent.

Saturday 22nd October
North End grab a deserved point at Wolverhampton Wanderers following a 1-1 draw though it comes at a cost with a host of injury problems. Chris Lucketti and Adam Nowland limp off and it is Dickson Etuhu who returns to action with PNE’s goal.

In The Guardian Dennis Wise plays down speculation that he is being lined up to replace Kevin Blackwell at Leeds United.

Sunday 23rd October
Billy Davies tells the press that David Nugent is the latest victim of a virus which is sweeping throughout the club. Nugent had only returned to action against Cardiff five days earlier after recovering from a bought of impetigo.

Cardiff’s Cameron Jerome is the latest in a string of Championship strikers to be linked with a move to Portsmouth’s Fratton Park.

Monday 24th October
Glenn Hoddle accuses North End midfielder Paul McKenna of being a ‘bottler’ after watching his player, Vio Ganea, sent-off for a wreckless challenge. “McKenna bottled it because he actually jumped up and out of the way as Vio came in,” said the former England boss.

The Daily Mail reports that Sheffield Wednesday are set to open talks with Nathan Tyson after agreeing a £700,000 few with Wycombe.

Tuesday 25th October
Billy Davies tells the shareholders at the AGM that he needs fans to get behind the team for the entire 90 minutes and not to get on the players’ backs as it only gives the opposition a lift. Davies also confirms that his side won’t be partaking in a group huddle before the game.

Wayne Rooney celebrates his 20th birthday by telling Sir Alex Ferguson that he wants to become Man Utd captain according to the Daily Mirror.

Wednesday 26th October
Portsmouth are being linked with a £1.5m swoop for David Nugent according to The Sun newspaper. The south coast club are linked with a move for a Championship striker in the January transfer window with David Healy previously linked.

Wigan boss Paul Jewell is keen to raid the lower divisions for talent once again with Huddersfield’s Nathan Clarke his latest target.

Dates For Your Diary – A busy week of PNE birthdays!
Happy birthday to Graham Alexander who celebrated his 34th birthday last Monday. Danny Dichio celebrates his 31st birthday next Wednesday, Andy Lonergan will also be blowing out candles on Wednesday but he won’t have so many to blow out as he is only 22. Paul McKenna celebrates his 28th one day later whilst Chris Neal is the baby of the birthday boys, he’ll be 20 years young next Sunday.

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QPR’s last three league visits to Deepdale

19th October 2004
PNE 2-1 QPR
David Healy scores a goal but misses a penalty on his last ever Deepdale performance, Richard Cresswell saves the day with his own penalty strike.

10th February 2001
PNE 5-0 QPR
A second half demolition job sees Macken score twice with Healy, McBride and Anderson also contributing in Gerry Francis’ last game in charge of the R’s.

22nd November 1980
A brace from Willie Naughton and another from Mick Baxter help Nobby Stiles’ side to a 3-2 victory but they still end up relegated.

THE DEEPDALE DIARY – 5th October 2005

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Wednesday 5th October
Billy Davies denies that he is set to offer Dutch striker Iwan Redan a contract with the club. The Willem II man is reported to be on his way to Deepdale for a three day trial and the PNE boss admits that he is prepared to have a look at the 25-year-old next week.

Former PNE star David Healy is the latest target for Premiership strugglers Portsmouth, even with a £2m pricetag!

Thursday 6th October
Andrew Lonergan completes a surprise one-month loan deal with League Two side, Wycombe Wanderers. The England Under-21 striker has been denied first team action upon returning from long term injury due to the fine form of Carlo Nash who came in in Lonergan’s absence.

Stoke City look set to sign West Ham’s Luke Chadwick on a permanent deal when the transfer window reopens in January.

Friday 7th October
Lonergan keeps a clean sheet on his debut in a top of the table clash at Grimsby Town. Wanderers go top of the table and Lonergan tells pne.com that the opportunity at Adams Park will give him the perfect opportunity to put himself in the shop window: “This move gives me a chance to get first team football and if I have to go out on loan again at another club it also gives me a good chance to put myself in the shop window,” said the stopper.

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce is linked with a £750,000 move for Wycombe Wanderers’ 11-goal striker Nathan Tyson.

Saturday 8th October
A book written by 1960s North End striker Willie Irvine alleges that Preston North End players may have been bribed to ‘throw’ a game. In the soon to be published book Irvine writes: “I have no idea if they took the money or not. But what I will say is that I saw things happening in that game that you would normally only see in a Sunday morning parks game.”

Portsmouth’s Director of Football Velimir Zejic is set to quit Fratton Park citing personal reasons after a turbulent 12 months on the south coast.

Sunday 9th October
Claude Davis’ Jamaica lose 5-0 to Australia completing a miserable weekend for PNE’s international elite. Graham Alexander plays as Belarus shock Scotland with a 1-0 win at Hampden to end the Tartan Army’s World Cup dreams, Callum Davidson then withdraws from the squad to be with his expectant wife and finally Andy Smith watches from the bench as Northern Ireland are beaten 3-2 at home to Wales.

The problems at Norwich mount as the Sunday newspapers report rumours that West Ham are set to make a tempting offer for Dean Ashton in January.

Monday 10th October
Preston youngster Mark Jackson joins Shrewsbury Town on a three-month loan deal with a view to a permanent deal in January. Jackson was signed by former PNE boss Gary Peters who already has ex-Northenders Ciaran Lyng and Kelvin Langmead.

Reports suggest that former Newcastle, Spurs and England midfielder Paul Gascoigne is set to be unveiled as the new player coach of Kettering Town.

Tuesday 11th October
After completing his first day of training following his bout of impetigo, David Nugent tells pne.com that he doesn’t expect to be back in action until Saturday 22nd October when PNE tackle Wolves. Nugent said: “I don’t think I will be ready for Saturday (against QPR) or Tuesday (against Cardiff). I’m looking for a week on Saturday where I won’t be fully fit but I will be on the mend and hopefully I will be able to scrape a place on the bench and come on and make an impact.”

Former Preston North End target Kris Commons could now be heading to Everton according to The Independent. David Moyes is rumoured to be tracking the £5m rated midfielder.

Wednesday 12th October
Portsmouth are being linked with a £1.5m swoop for David Nugent according to The Sun newspaper. The south coast club are linked with a move for a Championship striker in the January transfer window with David Healy previously linked.

Wigan boss Paul Jewell is keen to raid the lower divisions for talent once again with Huddersfield’s Nathan Clarke his latest target.

Dates For Your Diary – A busy week of PNE birthdays!
Happy birthday to Graham Alexander who celebrated his 34th birthday last Monday. Danny Dichio celebrates his 31st birthday next Wednesday, Andy Lonergan will also be blowing out candles on Wednesday but he won’t have so many to blow out as he is only 22. Paul McKenna celebrates his 28th one day later whilst Chris Neal is the baby of the birthday boys, he’ll be 20 years young next Sunday.