Vandals who trashed Preston North End's training ground could hinder the club's attempts to buy new players, according to the PNE chairman, Derek Shaw

Mr Shaw said they could be forced to spend thousands on CCTV cameras or 24-hour security guards to patrol the club's Springfields training ground, in Lea, following the incident on Saturday night.

Up to 30 youths scaled security fences at the Dodney Drive site and daubed offensive graffiti on the steps of a wooden stand. Windows in the gymnasium were smashed, a metal chimney stack was also pulled down from the roof and empty bottles and condoms were found on the floor.

One of the pieces of grafitti left on a wall mentioned the nearby Larches estate.

Initial costs to repair the damage have been estimated at hundreds of pounds.

"If we were to look at security we would have to spend around £50-£60,000," said Mr Shaw. "We spend every spare penny we have on new players. To increase security we would be taking money away from that pot and would hinder our potential to buy players."

The damage was discovered by a local resident. The police were called and an investigation is under way.

Repairs at the site are on-going and players were back in training on Tuesday.

Dozens of messages have been left on the club's official fan's forum offering words of support to the club.

Mr Shaw, who saw North End thrash local rivals Burnley, 2-0, on Saturday, said: "We were thrilled with the result on Saturday but to come back to this was awful.

"Being from Larches myself, I just hope the people involved were not from Preston. Anyone who knows who is responsible please tell the police."

Anyone with information should contact Preston police on 01772 203203.