SIMON Grayson is gearing himself up for some typical derby day banter.

The Blackpool boss fully expects his previous associations with Burnley's fierce rivals, Blackburn Rovers, will put him in the firing line at Turf Moor tomorrow.

But it seems Grayson, who spent three years at Ewood Park, has found another use for assistant boss Tony Parkes, as well as his tactical know-how.

"That's why I've got Tony with me. I'm sure they will remember him more than me so hopefully I might get away with it!" said Grayson of his right-hand man, who had an association with Rovers spanning three decades as player, coach and five-time caretaker manager.

"It's a big game for both teams. Obviously we've got challenges every week now, but there is no better game than this one and Preston.

"It gets the imagination of the supporters going. The rivalry and the banter that goes with everything.

"I think it will be a good game. Both teams like to get the ball down and play.

"There will be a fantastic atmosphere. We'll take a good following and I'm sure there will be a bit of passion and spice about it and that's what derby games should be, mixed in with some good football, hopefully entertaining for people and it's the team who plays the best on the day that is most likely to get a result - and hopefully that's us.

"But we're playing against a good team, an established Championship outfit who are looking to get into the Premier League as quickly as possible and they've got some good players."

And Grayson was full of praise for counterpart Steve Cotterill.

"He's a good bloke and a good coach and has done really well throughout his career, wherever he has been," he said.

"I'm sure he's looking forward to the game and another challenge knowing that we're not a bad team, and I'm sure he'll be letting his players know that.

"On the other hand, he'll expect his team to win as I expect mine."

He added: "Preston and Burnley are the first fixtures everyone looked for when they came out.

"There will be bigger games for us in terms of West Brom, Charlton and the likes of that. On paper they are bigger. But local derbies are fantastic occasions to be involved in.

"You can go back into work on the Monday with a big smile on your face or you can go and keep a low profile.

"Hopefully the majority of Blackpool fans will be smiling."