Train strikes announced and the impact on Preston North End's trip to Watford

Preston North End supporters heading to Watford on Gentry Day next month could be affected by train strikes.

Drivers will strike next month as the long-running dispute over pay and conditions, continues. In total, 16 rail companies will see ASLEF members take part in rolling one-day walk outs between Friday, 5 April and Monday, 8 April. PNE fans who were travelling down to Hertfordshire, or London, the day before the match, will have had plans scuppered.

Ryan Lowe's side are in action at Vicarage Road, for the club's annual Gentry Day - which sees supporters wear suits and bowler hats, while remembering those connected with the club, who have passed away in the last 12 months and beyond. The railway news comes two-and-a-half weeks ahead of Preston's away fixture.

The union are looking to 'increase the pressure' on train companies for a pay rise, with train companies having outlined the intention to minimise disruption. Avanti West Coast strikes will take place on Friday, 5 April along with East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains and CrossCountry. On the Saturday, Chiltern, GWR, LNER, Northern, and TransPennine will strike.

Mick Whelan, Aslef general secretary, said: "Our members voted overwhelmingly - yet again - for strike action. Those votes show a clear rejection by train drivers of the ridiculous offer put to us in April last year. We have given the government every opportunity to come to the table but it is now clear they do not want to resolve this dispute. They are happy for it to go on and on."