EXPERIENCED former Preston player Mick Wearmouth has been in football all his life so his appointment as North End secretary was no surprise.

The 52-year-old was born and bred in Barrow and went straight into football after school signing professional forms for his home town team.

A five year spell as centre half for Preston followed before Mick played out his career at Chorley. Soon after he became Chorley's secretary - a role he now has again as well as his Deepdale job - and even had spells as the groundsman and director.

He briefly had a flirtation with rugby in a move that saw him come to Deepdale and look after the Lancashire Lynx.

But after just 12 months when Audrey Shaw resigned as football club secretary Mick became the obvious choice with his wealth of experience.

Now he plans to play his part in piecing together the jigsaw that will one day see the club in the top flight of English football.

And although he admits it will be hard work wearing both his Preston and Chorley hats it's a challenge he's relishing.

Mick said: "Without a doubt the potential is there. I'm very proud to have been given this position.

"But it will be hard work. It's a case of all rolling up our sleeves and getting on with the job if we want to realise our ambitions.

"We have to put in the commitment for the benefit of the club and it's supporters." In his new role Mick will look after the general administration of the club from dealing with match day arrangements to looking after players.

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