Manager Alan Irvine received his toughest grilling of the season as he attended a 'press conference' with a difference at Whitefield Primary School in Penwortham this week.

The gaffer attended a question and answer session for the youngsters in conjunction with his official sponsor, DWF, and probably faced a harder line of questioning than he normally receives from the local media!

Having started out in the school's assembly hall for an audience with year five pupils, he then went class-to-class to visit all the Key Stage Two pupils, and was thrown some varied teasers, including having to ponder which PNE player has been most responsible for turning the season around and explain which car he drives.



Alan also admitted he's a fan of almost every sport - except cricket! - and used to idolise the great Leeds winger Eddie Gray as youngster, though unfortunately most of those listening were too young to even remember Gray's managerial tenure, never mind his playing days!

After posing for a few photographs and signing a number of autographs, Alan was also on hand to present 50 tickets to the school for the forthcoming home game against Barnsley, which is an additional bonus feature of our player and coaching staff sponsorship packages. Steve Hackett, DWF's Preston-based partner, was also presented with two of Alan Irvine's training tops, which were immediately generously donated to the school.



Steve Hackett said:

"As a law firm with it's roots going back almost 35 years in Preston, DWF is extremely proud of its relationship and association with Preston North End. We are sponsors of the team and also their official lawyers. 

"Through that relationship we are delighted to be able to help the Football Club reach out into the local community. We would like to thank Alan Irvine for the time he was able to spend recently at Whitefield School. It was terrific to see the reaction of pupils and staff to Alan's visit.

"We chose a local primary school because we felt it would be a memorable experience for young children to experience the thrill of a live football match, having been given 50 tickets to distribute to a local community initiative. At the same time we are helping to build the fan base of the future!

"We hope the team will continue its recent run of great performances to the end of season and feel confident that next season will see the team fighting once again for promotion."