Preston North End v Middlesbrough
FA Cup Fifth Round
3pm, Sunday 19 February 2006
Deepdale
Winning club receives £120,000


19 February 2006
VIDEO PREVIEW: Preston North End v Middlesbrough

Championship side Preston take on Middlesbrough at Deepdale, with the underdogs primed for an upset.


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Preston North End Chairman Derek Shaw admits the Lancashire club are fully focused on reaching the Premiership for the first time. But Shaw also knows a decent FA Cup run could prove financially fruitful in their quest to join the country's elite.

Manager Billy Davies is demanding additions to the training ground and the groundsman needs a new tractor. And Shaw is aware that the £120,000 on offer for the winners of their Fifth Round tie against Middlesbrough on Sunday could come in very handy.

Shaw said: "I have had a meeting with the manager and we were talking about work at the training ground.

"He wants to create another pitch which will cost about £75,000 to £100,000.
"And the groundsman wants a new tractor. Obviously these things are unbudgeted money so the cup can help us out with this.

"It's important for clubs like us to get make money from the cups. Ticket sales have been good. We are hoping for 18 to 20,000 when we play on Sunday.

"Unfortunately we didn't get the TV money but maybe if we don't win and get a draw we can make more revenue for ourselves."

Preston's current run in the Championship means they go into Sunday's tie at Deepdale with a real chance of causing a cup shock. And Shaw believes an extended Cup run will not get in the way of their Premiership ambitions.

He added: "It's a fine line really. Obviously we haven't got the biggest squad and we are aiming for the Premiership.

"But the manager wants us to go as far as we can in the cup and the players know how important it for us. Every professional wants to do well in the oldest cup competition.

Middlesbrough beat Chelsea 3-0 last week so it's a fantastic test for our players.

I think we have a very good chance. We are hard to beat at home.

"If we win through this game and get the £120,000, it will be spent wisely for the benefit of the football club. "Whether it be on players wages, a loan player or something for the training ground. "They are all important for the football club."


One to ponder…

When did Preston last play Middlesbrough in The FA Cup?

Answer: To be revealed later today

more to ponder…