Preston North End fanatic John and his son Ian, 11, and eight-year-old daughter Maria, have flown 3,350 miles from their home in New York to be at Saturday's match.
The children are mascots for the home opener against Crystal Palace at Deepdale, the first in front of the new Invincibles Pavilion Stand, while their father watches from the stands.
Their aunt Janet, who has made a 500-mile-round trip from Jerse
y in the Channel Islands, will also be watching from the Sir Tom Finney Stand.
John, 49, an economist in the States, said he would not bat an eyelid at crossing the Atlantic to watch the team he has supported since boyhood.
He said: "I do not think it is madness to come from New York. I have done it quite a few times. What is crazy is that people in Preston do not come every week to fill the ground.
"Football is growing in the States, especially with the kids. There are a lot more taking it up but a lot of them do not know about North End – until I tell them David Beckham scored his first-ever goal for us, then they are interested!"
The former Lostock Hall High School pupil, who grew up in South Ribble, is confident about today's match, having listened to Tuesday night's 2-0 home Carling Cup win against Chesterfield on the radio from his office in New York.
And his children cannot wait to lead out the Lilywhites.
Ian said: "I am looking forward to being a mascot, especially in front of the new stand.
"My friends in the US do know who North End are, mostly because I tell them but they do look out for their results as well."
Also at the match will be grandparents Fred and Gladys, who still live at the family home in Green Drive, Lostock Hall.
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