PRESTON'S popular Deepdale Duck could soon become a proud dad!

The duck, who pops up at events around town, as well as leading the chorus of support for North End on match days, could soon find himself accompanied by Deepdale Ducklings, if his guardian gets his way.

The Citizen can reveal that Ross McWilliam, PNE's community manager is hoping to give the duck an accomplice for next season.

It hasn't been decided if his duckling will be a boy or girl or how many there will be accompanying the duck, whose status in Preston is near legendary.

Ross said: "The duck visited more than 75 primary schools last year and he is well on course to beat that this year.

"If we can get someone to sponsor the existing duck, say a crisp company, we would have stuff to give the kids at events and also the money to buy a new outfit for another mascot.

"If Baby Duck was to appear on the Deepdale touchline, it wouldn't be the first time a Football League club has paraded more than one mascot."

Bristol City have had three little pigs watching their games for several years now.

Ross added: "I am sure it would be very popular."

But not everyone may be in support of another duck performing at Deepdale. The current duck, who has been an ever-present sight at Preston for more than two years, recently felt the wrath of referee Mr Burns who ordered the mascot away from the pitch.

The referee claimed the duck, who is more than six feet tall, with a huge head and giant beak, could be mistaken for a player!

And Blackburn Rovers goalie Tim Flowers still hasn't forgiven the duck for allegedly distracting him during a Coca-Cola Cup match!

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