Phil Parkinson challenges Bolton to ruin PNE's Gentry Day

Phil Parkinson has challenged his Bolton Wanderers side to spoil the Gentry Day party when Preston North End visit the Macron Stadium on Saturday.
Bolton boss Phil Parkinson.Bolton boss Phil Parkinson.
Bolton boss Phil Parkinson.

IN PICTURES: Look back at PNE's previous Gentry DaysApproaching 4,000 North End fans are set to be in the away end for the club’s annual act of remembrance this weekend.

They will be hoping to see their side close on the top six but Bolton have their own business to attend to, with the hosts looking to pull clear of the Championship's bottom three.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It will be a fast and furious game,” said the Chorley-born Bolton boss, a PNE fan in his youth.

PNE fans enjoy the Gentry Day visit to Bolton back in 2016.PNE fans enjoy the Gentry Day visit to Bolton back in 2016.
PNE fans enjoy the Gentry Day visit to Bolton back in 2016.

“Both teams have good energy. I think it’s one of those where things might not settle for a long time.

“We have to be ready to compete.

“Going back to the draw Deepdale, we got caught in the derby atmosphere for the first 15 to 20 minutes, the intensity of it, and as the game went on we got better.

“This time we have to start quickly.

PNE fans enjoy the Gentry Day visit to Bolton back in 2016.PNE fans enjoy the Gentry Day visit to Bolton back in 2016.
PNE fans enjoy the Gentry Day visit to Bolton back in 2016.

“But as I’ve said many times the lads are enjoying playing at home. The support has been terrific, particularly in recent weeks, and we have to keep that going.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“There will be Preston fans here for their Gentry Day wanting a party. We have got to spoil it.

“We have to ruin their day. And if we play in the manner we have at home I think we have a good chance.”

Both sides lost their top scorer in January, PNE’s Jordan Hugill heading to West Ham in a £10 million deal while Gary Madine swapped Bolton for Cardiff in a £6 million move.

“They are bit like us in that they lost Hugill, their target man, and we lost Madine,” said Parkinson.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Hugill didn’t play against us at their place but when I’d watched them they tried to hit him early.

“They brought Louis Moult in from Motherwell to replace him but he’s not exactly the same type of player.

“Preston will be 4-2-3-1, I doubt they will change from that, they have good energy in the wide areas and I can see why they have had some good results.”