Category: The Deepdale Diary

The Deepdale Diary – 24th March 2006

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Tuesday 24th March
With David Nugent and Danny Dichio ruled out through injury North End swoop to capture former Ipswich and Sunderland striker Marcus Stewart from Bristol City. The 33-year-old forward arrives until the end of the season with the option of a Play-Off extension and he is hoping to making it a third successful promotion to the Premiership after taking the Tractor Boys and the Black Cats to the top flight.

Former Preston boss David Moyes could be set to take Man Utd flop Diego Forlan back to the North West with Everton after the striker did so well with Villareal.

Wednesday 25th March
Preston boss Billy Davies explains that experience is the key with new signing Marcus Stewart.

“The key is his experience,” said Davies. “It is very difficult to get your hands on decent loan players at this stage of the season, especially ones who have such a good pedigree as Marcus. Clubs in the Premiership and other Championship clubs who are competing against us just don’t want to lend us players.

“Sometimes it’s a case of needs must. But I still feel we were very fortunate that a player with the experience of Marcus was available and we managed to get him.”

The Football League is in talks with Chinese officials about a long-term link up with the game in the Far East.

Thursday 26th March
Deadline day passes with no further arrivals at Deepdale leaving Preston boss Billy Davies with a squad of 26 for the Play-Off push, although four of those players are unlikely to figure due to injury. Davies confirms that Joe Anyinsah will remain at PNE as a First Team squad member.

Sheffield United are set to allow their on-loan striker Geoff Horsefield join Derby County on loan for the remainder of the season.

Friday 27th March
Callum Davidson suffers a reaction after returning to training and is rated as a doubt for the visit of Plymouth Argyle. Matt Hill could return whilst Marcus Stewart is expected to be in the 16, Plymouth complete a deadline day transfer by bringing in Wolves’ Leon Clarke to bolster their strikeforce.

Man City boss Stuart Pearce is mulling over a summer bid for Blackburn Rovers’ out of contract striker Paul Dickov according to reports.

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

The Deepdale Diary – 26th February 2006

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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.

THE DEEPDALE DIARY: 20th January 2006

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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.

THE DEEPDALE DIARY: 17th January 2006

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Tuesday 17th January
Billy Davies is sweating on the availability of striker Patrick Agyemang after the former Gillingham man was a surprise name on Ghana’s stand-by list for the African Cup of Nations. Agyemang qualifies through his Ghanaian parentage.

Everton boss David Moyes is once again linked with David Nugent as well as moves for Robbie Earnshaw and Lee Trundle.

Wednesday 18th January
North End are linked with moves for Derby striker Paul Peschisolido and Southampton man Brett Ormerod. Peschisolido is in fine form for the Rams scoring five goals in his last four games whilst Ormerod is a former Blackpool and Blackburn forward.

Norwich tell West Ham United that it will take a bid of £8m to prise England Under-21 striker Dean Ashton away from Carrow Road.

Thursday 19th January
PNE’s latest signing Brian Stock is confident that his new side can make a push for promotion. The midfielder admits that there is a real confidence amongst his new team-mates: “There is definitely a buzz and you only have to look at the league table and see the quality of the squad, even if there are a few injuries.”

Saints striker Theo Walcott is poised for a £12m move to Arsenal, the 16-year-old will link up with boyhood hero Thierry Henry.

Friday 20th January
David Elebert’s fledgling Preston North End career is over after the club decide to cut-short his contract with the club. The Republic of Ireland defender failed to make an impact at Deepdale and is expected to sign for Hamilton Academicals.

Republic of Ireland midfielder Andy Reid is reportedly ready for a sensational return to League One side Nottingham Forest on loan from Spurs.

Saturday 21st January
Preston North End make it 19 games unbeaten with a solid 2-0 victory at local rivals Burnley. Nugent opens the scoring with a well worked free-kick before Graham Alexander fires home his 50th career penalty to wrap things up late on.

Former North End striker David Healy pleads with his Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell not to sell him after he linked in a swap deal for WBA’s Jason Koumas.

Sunday 22nd January
Lilywhites boss Billy Davies refuses to get carried away following the latest victory. The Scotsman tells the press after the Burnley win that there is still a long way to go before they can start celebrating: “In this league it’s a very good run but you don’t win anything at this time and we’ve got to continue looking to the next match.”

Birmingham winger Stan Lazaridis is a target for Crystal Palace boss Iain Dowie after the Eagles lost the services of Marco Reich through injury.

Monday 23rd January
Preston will be without at least four of their first team stars for their FA Cup Fourth Round tie against Crystal Palace. David Nugent and Paul McKenna both picked up one-match suspensions after their fifth bookings of the season at Burnley whilst Simon Whaley and Brian Stock are both cup-tied.

German clubs Nuremburg and Kaiserslautern are linked with a move for Hibs’ Scottish starlet Derek O’Riordan with a price of £300,000 quoted.

Tuesday 24th January
David Hibbert posts a timely reminder to the North End management that he is ready and waiting to fill Nugent’s boots should he be called into action for the Cup clash. The former Port Vale man continued his rich vein of form with another goal in an assured display against Shrewsbury in the reserves.

Charlton boss Alan Curbishley could be set to swoop for Norwich’s England keeper Robert Green with Dean Kiely tipped to leave the Valley.

Dates For The Diary
Thursday 9th February – Youl Mawene teaches French at Preston College. Tyrone Mears and Andy Lonergan take part in an Alcohol Awareness event at Queens Drive Primary.

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

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.

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.

The Deepdale Diary – 21st September 2005

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Wednesday 21st September
North End boss Billy Davies is struck with a double injury blow after Adam Nowland and Youl Mawene both pick up injuries in a behind closed doors friendly with Crewe. Nowland (groin) and Mawene (calf) are both rated doubts for Palace following the 2-0 win over Dario Gradi’s men at Deepdale.

Liverpool’s European Cup winning boss Rafa Benitez is a target for Spanish giants Real Madrid according to reports.

Thursday 22nd  September
Claude Davis tells the press that he may pull out of the Jamaica squad for their forthcoming friendly with Australia at Craven Cottage in order to rest after 12 months of continuous football. “I don’t mind in the least – I could do with the rest,” Davis tells the LEP.

Steve McLaren signs a new deal with Middlesbrough which puts his credentials as potential future England boss in doubt.

Friday 23rd September
Billy Davies tells pne.com that Matt Hill and Lewis Neal are both available for selection for the game at Crystal Palace. Davies said: “We are delighted to have Matty and Lewis back. The balance has not been right and we don’t need to be rocket scientists to understand the situation.”

West Ham boss Alan Pardew compares Chelsea to snooker legend Steve Davis saying that they are so good that they are boring.

Saturday 24th September
The Lilywhites grab a point at Palace but it should have been all three as they concede an equaliser in the fifth minute of injury-time. Danny Dichio and Claude Davis are both given their marching orders reducing the Lilywhites to nine men after Chris Lucketti had put North End into a first half lead.

Arsene Wenger puts Chelsea’s start down to ‘good luck’ and claims that the reall test will comes when Jose Mourinho’s side suffer their first defeat.

Sunday 25th September
Billy Davies tells pne.com that he will definitely appeal the two red cards handed out at Selhurst Park. Dichio was sent off for allegedly raising his arms in a scrum of players, whilst Davis is accused of serious foul play following an acrobatic clearance. The PNE boss also has a go at comments from referee Steve Tanner in the Crystal Palace programme.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wants Premiership clubs to be awarded extra points for scoring goals as a way of making football more exciting.

Monday 26th September
Preston North End Chairman Derek Shaw is fuming after the club are slapped with a £1,000 fine and a suspended ban on making transfers after making a payment to Michael Brown’s lawyer during contract negotiations. Shaw said: “What are we expected to do, work with a registered agent who would probably have charged thousands rather than hundreds of pounds to negotiate a deal?”

Tottenham boss Martin Jol promises to stick with the attacking brand of football which has made the club famous over the years.

Tuesday 27th September
Preston North End suffer a 3-0 defeat to Luton Town at Kenilworth Road. Matt Hill deputises for the suspended Claude Davis in the centre of defence whilst Dickson Etuhu comes in for Adam Nowland. David Hibbert makes his debut as a second half substitute but by this time goals from Feeney, Brkovic and Howard have done the damage.

Portsmouth Chairman Milan Mandaric is set to jet back from the United States to discuss his club’s poor start to the Premiership season.

Wednesday 28th September
PNE boss Billy Davies can’t hide his disappointment following the defeat to Luton. He said: “That’s the worst I’ve seen us play in the first half. Our first 20 minutes of the game were apalling, we didn’t win the battles or the 50/50 balls and I thought they out-muscled us all over the pitch.”

Sam Allaradyce tells The Independent newspaper that modern day football management is a constant battle against the sack.
Dates For Your Diary…
Happy 22nd birthday to Thomas Harrison, happy 18th birthday on Monday 3rd October to Ben Adams, happy 21st birthday to Joe Anyinsah next Saturday. Thursday 13th October – Chris Sedgwick to visit Pius and Sherwood schools as part of sponsorship deal with MCK Partnership, David Nugent to St Gregory’s Primary as part of deal with Forbes Solicitors,  Andy Lonergan to visit Walton Le Dale High as part of his deal with Travelwise.

The Deepdale Diary – 14th September 2005

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What was going on in the world of Preston North End this week?

Wednesday 7th September
North End are told that they must pay £85k for former Port Vale striker David Hibbert by a Football League tribunal. Chairman Derek Shaw admits that he is very happy with what he describes as a ‘very fair and well handled’ tribunal process.

England are humiliated by world football minnows Northern Ireland in Belfast. Former PNE reject David Healy grabs the winning goal.

Thursday 8th September
PNE boss Billy Davies looks forward to working with David Hibbert following the Football League tribunal. “We are delighted it has now been resolved and we can look forward to working hard with Dave,” said Davies.

“We want to help him progress with his career at Preston and get him involved in the first team here.”

Sven Goran Eriksson goes missing following England’s poor showing against Northern Ireland. The Swede was due at the Fifth Test at the Oval but failed to show.

Friday 9th September
North End’s experienced trio of Chris Lucketti, Graham Alexander and Brian O’Neil could all be handed extended deals at the end of the season Billy Davies tells the press. But Davies also warns that the three could be forced to accept reduced one year deals as they reach their mid thirties.

The FA hold crisis talks at 30,000 feet with under-fire boss Sven as the knives come out for the England boss, Steve Bruce wins a national poll to replace the Swede.

Saturday 10th September
Preston North End record their second consecutive win on the road as they win a bruising encounter with Millwall at The New Den. David Jones opens the scoring and Patrick Agyemang comes on to grab the winner following Hutchison’s equaliser.

Liverpool supremo Rick Parry tells his Newcastle counterpart Freddy Sheperd that he paid over the odds for England’s Michael Owen.

Sunday 11th September
Ned Kelly describes PNE’s 2-1 win over Millwall as ‘horrible’. “It was probably one of the ugliest games you’ll ever see, but it was a great win for us today and three more points,” the North End assistant boss tells the press. Meanwhile David Jones and Patrick Agyemang both grab plenty of column inches following the win.

Sir Bobby Robson reckons that Sven Goran Eriksson should ditch the suit and adopt a more active role in training of his England players.

Monday 12th September
North End midfielder David Jones tells the press that he is wanted by both Wales and England at international level. The Manchester United loanee has already represented England at Under 21 level but he is also available for the principality in scenario very similar to that of Ryan Giggs at the start of his career.

According to the Daily Mail the FA will not sack England boss Sven Goran Eriksson as it would be too much of a risk due to doubts over the completion date of the New Wembley.

Tuesday 13th September
Preston North End scrap to a surprisingly drab and disappointing 0-0 draw with local rivals Burnley. Billy Davies made three changes to the side which beat Millwall, Alexander, Davidson and Etuhu coming in at the expense of Mears, Hill and O’Neil, the latter two of which have niggling injuries.

Frank Lampard believes that Chelsea’s recent success and riches has made the London side  the most disliked side in the country – Manchester United set to sue for copyright?

Wednesday 14th September
North End boss Billy Davies is adamant that the Lilywhites should have been given at least one penalty in Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw with Burnley. He said: “We could have had a penalty shout second half, there are one or two claims that we have to see on the video, certainly the Danny Dichio one looks like it was a push.”

Liverpool could be subject to a takeover from the American based Kraft family who already own the New England Patriots according to reports in The Daily Mail.

Dates For Your Diary…
PNE players out and about over the coming month include Chris Lucketti and Gavin Ward who are at the opening of the Preston Primary Care Trust, David Nugent, Tyrone Mears, Dickson Etuhu and Andy Lonergan are present at the opening ceremony of Eldon Street Primary School. Finally if you want to get autographs of some of your favourite players then visit pneshop.com on Thursday 29th September when David Hibbert, Joe Anyinsah, Danny Dichio and David Jones will all be in attendance.