Chris Maddock, born and bred in Preston, Supported Preston since I was 5 and I’m 17 now so I guess that’s 12 years! My time flies when you’re having fun!
What was your first game?
I’m afraid I can’t remember my first game, but the first game I can remember being at was in 94 I think. Preston won 6-0 with a hat-trick each from the legend Andy Saville, and Steve Wilkinson!
Describe the most memorable and worst game you've seen and why?
My most memorable game has to be at home to Birmingham in the second leg of the playoffs in 2001. Going out 2-1 and in the 92nd minute, when Mark Rankine scored ‘that’ goal to send the game to extra time. After much crying and protesting by Trevor Francis over choosing the end to take penalties, we won the shoot out and went on to Cardiff!
Worst match would probably be this season away at Wigan. We got beat 5-0 and it was a gutless performance. I’ve never seen us lose 5-0 away before.
If Preston was a Celebrity, who would it be and why?
He’s not really a celebrity but I guess Tony Christie (Guy who sings Amarillo) He’s more known for what he has done in the past, but is now back in the limelight and doing well!
Who do you consider as your current local rivals, and why?
Blackpool will always be our rivals. The Donkey Lashers don’t look like they will be playing us anytime soon, but the hatred remains. We also hate the Dingles from Burnley!
Who are the best and worst players you have seen?
Being a young ‘un the best player I’ve seen will have to be Andy Saville. His 30 goals helped us clinch promotion from Division 3.
And the worst player I’ve seen wear the famous white shirt is Simon Lynch. The guy weighs about 5 stone and gets blown over by the wind! But he’s Scotland’s answer to Michael Owen apparently!!
Which current or former Rotherham player impressed you most?
Former man Chris Sedgwick! Always rated him as a good player for you and was delighted when we managed to pinch him. He’s done very well for us so far.
Speaking about former Millers, hows Sedgy going on?
Sedgy is the only right winger we have but he has played every game I think since he arrived. His work rate is phenomenal and he knows how to beat his man and more often than not puts in a decent cross. With Lewis on the other wing we are a real danger down the flanks now.
How did you fare last season?
Under Craig Brown we had a disappointing year. Some how at the start of January we were 5th, but going on a run of only 5 wins in 25 games saw us finish in the bottom half of the table.
How did you expect to fair this season?
Hopefully we are going to clinch a playoff spot, and if we do anything can happen in the lottery of the playoffs.
Your looking certs for the play-offs, who do you want to avoid?
The teams I don’t want our Sheff Utd (Warnock seems to do well in cup type games) Wigan (Just know they’d beat us) and West Ham. We’ve done the double over West Ham this season but I still don’t fancy them in case they ‘click’.
If you do go up, is there money to spend on players?
I think if we did get up we would spend about £3-4 million on players, finish the ground off and then put some in the bank. Safest way these days.
So what do you think of The Millers?
A good little team. You’ve done very well over the last few years with Ronnie Moore to stay in this division. Hope you can get back up soon.
Is your manager barking mad?
Billy Davis as a short little Scot not to be messed with!!! With Ned Kelly as his right hand man the pair ALLEDGELY sorted out Pardew in the tunnel after the win at Upton Park!!
Are you happy with your Chairman/Backroom staff?
Yes. Derek Shaw is a Preston fan and has put money on the table for Billy to spend this year. Our signings have been key to our success this year.
Which team do you want to beat the most this season and why?
Wigan purely for revenge of the 5-0 loss we suffered at the JJB.
What sort of line-up can we expect from you?
Nash
Alexander, Lucketti, Mawene, Davidson
Sedgy, Mckenna, O’Neil, Lewis
Cresswell, Nugent
Predicted score?
2-1 to Rotherham, Butler first scorer. I always predict a loss!
Who's going up?
Sunderland, Ipswich, PNE (I hope!)
Who's going down?
Rotherham, Forest, Brighton
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