It is time to dig out those bowler hats and pin stripes suits because the North End Gentry are returning for the eagerly anticipated away match at Newcastle's St James Park on February 20th 2010.

The Return of the Gentry is organised by the Preston Supporters Group and is in memory of any Preston North End follower or player who may have passed away in the last 12 months.

The Gentry term was first used by third division championship winning manager Alan Ball Snr in the early 1970s stating to the Press after a game that "Preston fans are the best, they're the gentry". This inspired a number of PNE fans to don bowler hats and even pin stripe suits at Deepdale.

In 2005 PSG arranged the "Return of the Gentry" in memory of John Tracey, a member of the original PNE Gentry who sadly passed away. This was a massive success and even saw North End's players wearing the famed bowler hats on the pitch.

In 2008 with the support of PNE-Online and other supporters groups, PSG decided to make it an annual event for all North End fans and the people of Preston to remember anyone they may have lost during that season/year.

So dust down the bowler, and wipe down your suit and show the Geordies what the Gentry is all about.

If you would like to read more about 'The Gentry', you can visit either www.pne-online.net or www.psg.me.uk.

Preston North End will be wearing their all red strip for this fixture.