For the first time this season, Jeremy Simpson will take charge of the Lilywhites, as we entertain Paul Warne’s Rotherham United at Deepdale.
The Carnforth referee has not officiated the Lilywhites since January, when he was the match official for the draw at Millwall, his second North End game of 2017/18, his first the 1-0 home win over Queens Park Rangers in December 2017.
This will be Jeremy’s second Millers game of the season, having refereed their 3-2 home defeat to Hull City back in August, one of his 15 games of the season, where he has issued 67 cautions and four red cards so far.
In 2016/17, the select group two match official took the role for our Boxing Day clash with Leeds United and the Lilywhites’ Roses victory over Huddersfield Town in October, as well as acting as fourth official at two home games.
He also was in charge when North End took on Stoke City at PR1 in pre-season that year, and is an experienced official, with plenty of Championship action under his belt.
This weekend he will be assisted by Shaun Hudson and Matthew McGrath, whilst Ben Toner will be the fourth official.