Preston North End Football Club: Introduction
Preston North End Football Club, commonly referred to as Preston or PNE, is a professional football club based in Preston, Lancashire, England. They are one of the oldest football clubs in the world and have a rich history, particularly in the early years of English football. PNE currently plays football in the English Championship.
The staff at the Fanbase wish the supporters every success. So, here’s our comprehensive overview of the club:
Before we continue, here’s a link to the club’s official website.
Foundation and Early History
- Founded: 1880 (originally as a cricket club in 1863 before transitioning to football).
- Nickname: The Lilywhites, due to their traditional white home kit, also The Invincibles.
- Stadium: Deepdale, one of the oldest football stadiums still in use, opened in 1878. It has a current capacity of around 23,400.
Early Success and “The Invincibles”
Preston North End is best known for their early dominance in English football. They were one of the founding members of the Football League, which was established in 1888.
- First Football League Champions: Preston won the inaugural Football League in the 1888-1889 season. Remarkably, they went unbeaten throughout the season, earning them the nickname “The Invincibles.”
- First FA Cup Winners: In the same season (1888-1889), Preston also won the FA Cup, completing the first-ever “double” in English football history. They won the FA Cup without conceding a single goal, a record that still stands.
Preston North End Football Club: Later History and Decline
- After their early successes, Preston continued to be competitive in English football, although they never reached the same heights as in their first decade.
- Post-War Success: The club won the Second Division (now the Championship) title in 1950-1951 and came close to winning the First Division (now the Premier League) title in 1952-1953, finishing as runners-up.
- FA Cup Finals: They reached the FA Cup final several times but only won it once, in 1938.
- Decline: The latter half of the 20th century saw a decline in the club’s fortunes, with them spending significant time outside the top tier of English football.
Modern Era
- Lower League Struggles: Throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Preston largely played in the lower divisions, though they have frequently been in the Championship (second tier).
- Promotion Bids: They have often been in the mix for promotion to the Premier League but have not yet managed to secure promotion to the top flight in the modern era.
- Youth Development: Preston is known for its youth academy, which has produced several players who have gone on to have successful careers in higher leagues.
Preston North End Football Club: Rivalries
- Main Rivals: The club’s main rivals are Blackpool, with whom they contest the West Lancashire Derby. This rivalry is one of the fiercest in the lower leagues of English football.
- Other Rivals: Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers, and Burnley are also rivals to some degree, stemming from the geographical proximity in Lancashire.
Club Culture and Supporters
- Fan Base: Preston has a loyal and passionate fan base, with a strong local following. The club’s supporters are famous for their dedication, despite the club’s ups and downs.
- Supporter Groups: There are several supporter groups, both official and unofficial, that play a significant role in the club’s culture.
Preston North End Football Club: Notable Managers and Players
- Managers: Sir Tom Finney is perhaps the most legendary figure associated with Preston, not as a manager but as a player. As for managers, David Moyes managed the club from 1998 to 2002 before moving to Everton and gaining widespread recognition.
- Players: Sir Tom Finney, often regarded as one of the greatest English footballers, played his entire career at Preston. Other notable players include Bill Shankly, who later became a legendary manager at Liverpool, and Alan Kelly Sr., a long-serving goalkeeper.
Current Status
- League: As of the 2023-2024 season, Preston North End competes in the Championship.
- Ambitions: The club’s ambition remains to secure promotion to the Premier League, a feat they have not yet achieved in the Premier League era.
Preston North End Football Club: Colours and Badge
- Colours: Traditionally, the home kit is white shirts with navy blue shorts. The club’s colours are strongly linked to its nickname, “The Lilywhites.”
- Badge: The club’s crest features a lamb (symbolizing the Christian symbol of the Lamb of God), reflecting Preston’s historical links to the church and its founding as a club rooted in community values.
Ownership and Financials
- Ownership: The club has seen various ownership changes over the years. Ownership of the club as of the 2023 season, is by the Hemmings family. Indeed, their investment in the club is helping to keep it financially stable.
- Financial Challenges: Like many lower-league clubs, Preston has faced financial challenges but has managed to remain stable in recent years.
Community Involvement
Preston North End is deeply embedded in the local community, with numerous initiatives aimed at supporting local causes, promoting youth football, and engaging with fans. The club’s community trust has much involvement in various charitable activities, focusing on health, education, and social inclusion.
Preston North End Football Club: In Conclusion
Preston North End is a club with a rich history and a proud tradition. Though they have not enjoyed the success of their early years in recent times, the club remains a significant part of English football’s heritage and continues to aspire for a return to the top tier. Their loyal fan base and storied past ensure that they hold a special place in the hearts of football enthusiasts.
Preston North End Football Club Promotion
Would you like to promote Preston North End? Of course, you would. So, why not join us here at the Football Fan Base and do just that?
You can have your say and promote your favourite football team here on the blog or in the massive football forum.
Our massive soccer blogs and Forums allow social interaction with other football supporters. Indeed, there can be no better place to chill out if you love the beautiful game.
Preston North End Fans Forum
Our message boards have grown over the years to incorporate the Preston North End Fans Forum.
The football banter is amazing and it’s a great way to promote your favourite team.
The Football Fanbase is yours, so use it to have some banter with other like-minded supporters. Of course, if you don’t give Preston North End a boost, you can bet someone will pull it down! So, do your bit for the club!
** Information updated on September 3, 2024.
