Back from the Brink

Preston North End stood on the very edge of existence at the end of 1985/86. Forced to go cap-in-hand canvassing for re-election votes after the indignity of finishing 91st in the Football League, the subsequent appointment of John McGrath as manager would prove to be a masterstroke. The team was rebuilt utilising his book of contacts as the club were just about broke, but these players bonded together to produce the most remarkable transformation in the clubs fortunes over the next 9 months, embarking on vital cash generating cup runs and finishing runners-up to Northampton Town in the league to say farewell to Division Four. The season will long live in the memories of those who witnessed it. The club have since progressed, but owe a massive debt to John McGrath for masterminding their resurgence and subsequent stability. Without him, it is debatable whether Preston North End would even exist today, never mind play in the latest fantastic incarnation of Deepdale. Thank goodness he caught Preston North End before it died.