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The Week in Focus: 27th Feb-5th Mar 2006

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Craig E. Laycock brings you his weekly round-up of club news.

Monday, February 27

Preston were hit with a triumvirate of suspensions for the forthcoming Ipswich game after Matt Hill, Callum Davidson and Youl Mawene all clocked up five yellow cards – leaving North End desperately short at the back.

Tuesday, February 28

Billy Davies urged fans to get off David Nugent’s back after supporter unrest at the striker’s reluctance to score. Davies again underlined that Nugent’s early-season illness was to blame and that North End fans wouldn’t see the best of him until next season. Nugent has scored two goals in nine games – a sublime volley against Burnley and a strike against Luton in the 5-1 demolition at Deepdale.

North End favourite Charlie Wayman died aged 83. He had scored 117 goals in 171 games in his time with the Lilywhites between 1950 and 1954.

Wednesday, March 1

Chris Lucketti was ruled out for up to three weeks after suffering a groin strain, which would have left Davies minus four defenders through injury or suspension for the Ipswich gane.

David Nugent failed to get on the scoresheet after playing 45 minutes for England under-21’s. England ran out 3-1 winners over Norway. Pundits level the blame at the 4-3-3 formation Nugent was asked to play in.

Thursday, March 2

David Nugent again made the news on Thursday after continuing to stall over the signing of a new contract at Deepdale.

The striker had previously told the media that he wants to stay at North End for a ‘long, long time’. Nugent already has a further two years to run on his contract, but the club felt it neccessary to reward the forward for his work at the club, making what they described as ‘a fantastic offer’.

Davies remained unworried and emphasised that these things take time to sort out.

Friday, March 3

Billy Davies was racing against the clock to make a loan signing ot two in time for the Ipswich game. The manager faced the prospect of playing without several key players and needed urgent cover.

Preston’s game against Ipswich was called off after a pitch inspection deemed the surface unplayable. Preston had been coated in snow for much of Friday.

Saturday, March 4

Jason Jarrett signed for Preston on loan from Norwich City. The midfielder joined the club having played just nine times in an unhappy period at Norwich. The deal is season-long with a view to a permanent move in the summer.

Sunday, March 5

Preston North End’s backroom staff headed off to London for a glitzy awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel. The Football League Awards is in its inaugral year and the club is up for Best Matchday Programme and Best Marketing Campaign. General manager Ben Rhodes said: ‘Hopefully we can pick up our first silverware of the season.’

(Look out for the results on the main page later.)

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