PNE aiming for top flight says Hemmings

It has been a long-term ambition of the 81-year-old to see PNE in the top flight.

He has owned the club outright since 2010, having been a major shareholder for a number of years before then.

Hemmings initially got involved with North End in 1973, joining the board as vice-chairman.

In an interview with The Times, Hemmings said: “I was always fond of Preston because I was a great pal of Tom Finney.

“Today, Preston are in the Championship and has no debt. I’m optimistic we will eventually get in the Premier League.”

In the aftermath of North End’s play-off victory at Wembley 13 months ago, Hemmings spoke of the need to steadily build upwards.

His target back then was a top-half finish in the Championship, something Simon Grayson’s side achieved by finishing 11th in May.

“I look at it as like being on a ladder – we want to carry on climbing up it and not down,” said Hemmings in 2015.

Although he lives in the Isle of Man, Hemmings keeps a close eye on the running of PNE – as he does with all of his companies – making regular visits to Deepdale and attending all home games.

With the help of his financial input, Preston are putting plans in place for their second season back in the Championship.

So far, goalkeeper Chris Maxwell and striker Simon Makienok have been signed this summer.

It is hoped that at least two more signings will be in place by the time the PNE squad report back for pre-season training a week on Thursday.

Other targets might take a little longer but it is expected that the vast majority of business will done by the start of the new season.

North End are in the market for another keeper, a left-sided defender, a left-winger and a striker.

There is also the chance of them adding to their right-back options, ex-loanee Marnick Vermijl a possible target.