Gentry Day with a difference for Preston North End fans this weekend

Preston North End fans will still remember ‘the Gentry’ this weekend despite football currently being shutdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
By Dave Seddon
Published 16th Apr 2020, 13:12 BST
Updated 16th Apr 2020, 13:13 BST
A bowler hat placed behind the nets when Preston played at Bolton on Gentry DayA bowler hat placed behind the nets when Preston played at Bolton on Gentry Day
A bowler hat placed behind the nets when Preston played at Bolton on Gentry Day

On Saturday, PNE were due to face Brentford at Griffin Park and the promotion clash had been chosen as this season’s Gentry Day.

With the season suspended since March 13 and not resuming for the foreseeable future, the North End faithful’s annual act of remembrance and celebration will be done differently.

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Supporters are still being encouraged to don their bowler hats and suits on Saturday afternoon and share pictures on social media.

Alan Ball Sr dubbed PNE fans the 'Gentry' in September 1970Alan Ball Sr dubbed PNE fans the 'Gentry' in September 1970
Alan Ball Sr dubbed PNE fans the 'Gentry' in September 1970

Current and former PNE players will also be ringing some elderly season ticket holders for a chat during these tough days of isolation.

Gentry Day is an established event in the North End calendar.

It started in 2005 when a group of PNE fans chose a trip to Queens Park Rangers to toast the memory of a North End supporter who had recently passed away.

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Since 2008 Gentry Day has been held every season, hence a desire to keep the tradition going this year. It was early in the 1970/71 season that North End fans were first dubbed ‘the Gentry’.

PNE fans at Bolton on Gentry DayPNE fans at Bolton on Gentry Day
PNE fans at Bolton on Gentry Day

Alan Ball Snr, the manager tasked with guiding the club back to the Second Division, described them as such as he praised the loyalty of those who travelled to away games.

Speaking after a 1-0 win at Shrewsbury on September 30, 1970, Ball said: “It’s great to see these people travelling as far as Shrewsbury for a night match.

“To see youngsters clapping and cheering behind the goal is terrific.

“Some people may call them hooligans.

North End manager Alex Neil shares a joke with PNE kitman Steve Cowell on Gentry Day at Bolton in 2018North End manager Alex Neil shares a joke with PNE kitman Steve Cowell on Gentry Day at Bolton in 2018
North End manager Alex Neil shares a joke with PNE kitman Steve Cowell on Gentry Day at Bolton in 2018

“As far as I’m concerned, they are the Gentry.”

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The PNE faithful had taken Ball to their hearts and some responded to his comment by dressing as the landed gentry – smart suits and bowler hats.

Results on Gentry Day have generally played second fiddle to the occasion.

They won 2-1 at QPR in 2005 but their only victories since both came at Bolton in 2016 and 2018.

The visit to Wanderers in March 2018 was Alex Neil’s first experience of the Gentry, the North End boss donning a bowler hat at the final whistle.

Last year’s Gentry Day at West Bromwich Albion was overshadowed by speculation linking Neil with the Baggies’ head coach job.

Related topics:Covid-19SupportersBrentfordQueens Park Rangers