Focus: PNE v QPR

MEET THE BOSS:Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was appointed as Queens Park Rangers manager at the start of December.
QPR gaffer Jimmy Floyd HasselbainkQPR gaffer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
QPR gaffer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

He left Burton Albion to take the job, having guided the Brewers to the League Two title last May. When the Dutchman left Burton, they were top of League One. Prior to managing Burton, he had a spell as head coach of Belgian club Royal Antwerp. As a player, Hasselbaink served a number of clubs including Boavista, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Charlton and Cardiff.

MEET THE REF:

Northampshire referee Andy Woolmer is in charge of Preston’s home game with Queens Park Rangers.

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This is Mr Woolmer’s first visit to Deepdale since he officiated last Easter’s win over Rochdale. In October, he was in the middle for North End’s 3-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

THIS WEEK...

63 YEARS AGO:

On March 19, 1953, Preston drew 1-1 with Arsenal at Highbury. Tom Finney scored PNE’s goal in north London. The following month, PNE beat Arsenal 2-0 at Deepdale but the Gunners were to pip them to the First Division title on goal average.

29 YEARS AGO:

North End beat Stockport 3-0 at Deepdale on March 17, 1987 as they pushed for promotion from the Fourth Division under John McGrath. They were quick out of the blocks, with Gary Swann scoring after only 16 seconds. John Thomas and Frank Worthington netted the others goals.

21 YEARS AGO:

PNE hammered Bury 5-0 at Deepdale on March 18, 1995, it part of an 11-game unbeaten run for Gary Peters’ men. Mike Conroy and Matt Carmichael both scored two, with David Moyes also on target.