An interview with a Rival... Preston

Ahead of today's Boxing Day clash with Preston at the Deepdale, I got the chance to speak to Stephanie Lambert who runs the popular Preston twitter @PNEfansforum.

How long have you been a Preston fan?

All my life! My old man brought all 3 of his daughters up as lilly whites and we've stayed faithful ever since! We're all Preston born so its only right to support your home club!

Who are your favourite players, this season and in your history?

My personal favourite is Paul Gallagher, he's a top guy! Gave his match worn shirt to my Dad for his birthday. He is really down to earth and such a nice guy! He's everything you want off the pitch and on it! He's great from a dead ball. He's got great vision and can pick some amazing passes out! He's also good at putting in dangerous crosses... a real play maker! You can tell when he's not on the field.

I also like Ben Pearson, he came from Man Utd. Didn't know what to think of him at first but lately he's stepped up massively. He's such a handful in mid, gets really stuck in and doesn't give up! Chases what most wouldn't and goes in for some real meaty challenges! He's so passionate and wears his heart on his sleeve! Love that in a player! He plays great with McGeady and Robinson who also have great skill and pace!

But if we're talking about history, I never forget David Healy, Eddie Lewis and Richard Cresswell. That team was a really strong one and I'll never forget when Leeds came in and snapped all 3 of them up! I was mortified!

Richardo Fuller and David Nugent are obvious shouts, pure pacey, goal machines!

What is your most memorable game?

Any memorable games against Leeds?
Definitely, when Healy returned to Deepdale in a Leeds shirt. Saturday 6th November 2004. Leeds won 4-2 and Healy scored, twice! Both times celebrated in front of the home fans. I'll never forget my favourite player turning in to my most hated, (at the time!) haha!

Also, when you came to our ground last. I remember one of your fans crowd surfing on a surfboard all the way down the stand, hilarious!

Jermaine Beckford is a cult hero at Leeds United, is he close to that status at deepdale?

Beckford got us to where we are today, grabbing a hatrick at Wembley in the play off final. What a day! He will forever be a legend in the eyes of Preston fans for this very reason!

We've seen him do some spectacular stuff. Even scoring from the halfway line.

He's been out a lot since Wembley unfortunately and caused a bit of a stir recently when he got into a bit of a push and shove with Doyle, one of our other players.

But he will always be a legend in our eyes and your fans too! There's usually a chant coming from your away end when we play you... 'your Leeds and you know you are' but we will agree to disagree there! Haha!

Legend status: Beckford and Grayson had some good times at Elland Road

You've got a fantastic manager in Simon Grayson, do you think your heading in the right direction with him in charge?

Another guy well respected by the Leeds faithful! SG is legendary. I love him. He has a great eye for talent. Signing on some decent players for peanuts and frees, who have turned out to be great players! I believe we are on the right track. It's difficult for a club like us who don't have as much money as some of the other clubs in the league. If you compare where we our to money spent against others in similar positions in the league it's quite drastic! So given what he has to work with he is doing a mighty fine job!

What positions do you need to strengthen in January?

We have a good team here but an out in out striker wouldn't go a miss. A prolific one who's known. I have faith in our squad though, there doing a good job at the moment. I just think we are a striker away from being big contenders. That being said we are in touching distance of the play offs, so who knows!

Who would be your perfect signing?

Like Nugent. He's great at this level. But anyone who fits the bill really. Ridsdale admitted he went in for loaning Nuge but Boro declined as he was named in the 25 man squad. Though rumours are circulating hes going to Leeds, don't know the truth in it but I would love to see him return home!

Who will be your main threat on Monday?

Chris Wood. Now he has been confirmed fit for the game our defence will have to have this guy shut out of the game! We know he likes a goal! 14 so far, if I'm correct? He's quite a tall lad too so we can't afford to loose balls in the air, even more so ones in the box because if we give him enough chance, he will score! No doubt about it!

Prediction and scorers?

1-1 Chris Wood and Simon Makienok. A tough test and two in-form teams right now. I'm hoping we can get the win though!!

We'd like to thank Stephanie for her answers and wish her and Preston the best of luck for the season!

By Ryan Ingham