THIS season has been one of the most exciting and remarkable in Preston North End's long and distinguished history.

No-one, not even in their wildest of wild dreams could have imagined that when North End won the Nationwide Second Division title last year that twelve months later we would be off to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff needing to beat Bolton Wanderers to reach the Premiership. It is a magnificent achievement by David Moyes, his backroom staff, the players and let us not also forget the excellent playing surface at Deepdale which is a credit to the ground staff.

We should also remember the part played by those wonderful supporters of Preston North End who have spent a lot of money travelling the country, cheering the team on to the glory of a place in the final.

Everyone has played their part and now comes the final hurdle.

Over the years there have been some memorable Lancashire hot pot derby matches between North End and Bolton, some played at the very highest level but there has never been anything to approach the importance of this match.

In Sir Tom Finney and Nat Lofthouse both clubs have majestic ambassadors for the game, men who have played at the very highest level for their club and country and indeed men who only played for the one league club.

Bolton manager is Sam Allardyce, a former captain and caretaker manager of North End and a big favourite with my very great friend the late John McGrath, a stalwart manager who himself won promotion for Preston North End. How Big Mac would have loved this occasion! At Deepdale, we receive letters and e-mail from exiled fans all around the world listening to the match commentaries via the internet at some alarming times of the day in their countries.

Far away from home maybe, but Preston North End remains in their hearts.

In every type of transport, plane, coach, cars, motor bikes and trains, the supporters of both clubs will all head down the same motorway with their scarves and banners on parade on the long journey to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

The rivalry will be friendly although the drama, passion and tension of it all may be more than some people can stand. That is what football is all about, we wouldn't have it any other way.

This match will bring an end to Preston North End's season, the memories of it all will remain forever, particularly that second leg match at Deepdale last week when North End stormed back to win in that mind blowing penalty shoot out. That now sets up this wonderful final showpiece and everyone connected with Preston North End knows that the match is there for the taking.

Preston, you have done the town proud already...NOW GO OUT THERE TO WALES, THE LAND OF SONG AND LET THEM HEAR "CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU" ECHOING FROM THE RAFTERS OF THE MILLENNIUM STADIUM AS PRESTON NORTH END HIT THE PREMIERSHIP!