RUMOURS that The National Football Museum could move away from Preston or even be forced to close down have been flatly denied.

The museum's marketing manager Mark Bushell said there was "absolutely no truth" in reports the museum was considering a move because of disappointing visitor numbers.

While admitting that visitor numbers were below target he put this down to unexpected events such as the problems with railways and the fact that other museums have been able to allow free admission from last January due to receiving special revenue funding from the government.

"People often ask why we are not in a big city where more people would come. But we are here because Preston is so important with the birth of modern football and here we will stay."

He also revealed the museum was optimistic it would receive revenue government funding in two or three years. This would allow it to cut admission charges or even abolish them altogether as well as expand the number of exhibits it could display.

It is currently the only designated national museum which does not receive revenue funding.

Mr Bushell added that the museum was not solely dependent on visitor numbers for income and instead sought income from sponsorship and other help with organisations.

The museum is also to create a 'Hall of Fame' next month to honour football's past masters.

Twenty of the game's greatest names will deliberate over the inaugural inductees into the 'Hall of Fame' including Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Alex Ferguson and Brian Clough.