PRESTON NORTH END were the first winners of the Football League in 1889. Actually, they were unbeaten and became the first “invincibles” and also won the FA Cup to become the first “double” winners. Since those halcyon days, Preston’s position in the game has changed and they are a relatively small club compared to the giants of northern England. Can they become more relevant in the modern game? From a geographic perspective, PNE have a plethora of football clubs vying for the attention of the locals and commercial partners. Manchester and Liverpool are both less than 40 miles away, but there are so many clubs in close proximity: Blackpool, Blackburn, Burnley, Bolton, Wigan, Oldham and Rochdale. While the neutral might be tempted to shop around, the biggest threat has to be United, City, Liverpool and Everton. This is not a new problem, the lure of the big clubs has existed ever since Preston’s golden era ended and Manchester and Liverpool became large industrial hubs. However, neighbouring Burnley have shown that moderately-sized clubs can make a breakthrough even if it might only result in short-term success.
Our latest State of Play report looks at Preston North End, a club that currently plays in the Championship.
GAME OF THE PEOPLE 