This Saturday’s match programme has Paul Gallagher on the cover and the North End midfielder gives an extended interview to The One And Only.
Gally is one of a number of players featured in this third edition of the season, with interviews and features with Declan Rudd, Daniel Johnson, former players David Lucas and Tommy Spurr and much more.
Speaking to editor Dany Robson, main interviewee Gallagher says he still has major ambitions in his own career, but he also wants to make sure the next generation of Deepdale players are primed and ready for their moment on the big stage.
At 34, Gallagher dreams of leading PNE into the Premier League, he calls Deepdale his ‘home’ and he admits any defeats hurt him for days after, until he can help to put them right in the next match.
He is determined to play as long as he can admitting he is doing the old footballing cliché of ‘as you get older you move further back’ or in his case, moving back and then sideways!
However, while he is concentrating on his own career, he gives up his time to help with the younger players at PNE to make sure they have the best chance of making a good go of their professional careers.
“I have been here a long time and I want continue playing for as long as I can and also to give something back,” said Paul. “I started off as a No.9, moved to left wing and then right wing and I have been playing centre-mid for the last four or so years, so I have shuffled sideways!
“I will do what’s necessary to prolong my career as I want to be a footballer for as long as I can, I enjoy it and this is a club I call home.
“I have a great relationship with the manager, the chairman, the supporters, the people in the club shop, everyone associated with the club.
“It means a lot to me and, when we lose, it hurts a lot and I can’t wait to go out there and put it right.
“I am a role model and I take this seriously. I coach the young lads, usually the U15/16s, I have my UEFA B Licence, and I think it’s important that I give something back.
“I can pass on information on how the manager wants them to train, his style of play and what he expects of them so that they are ready to make the step up.
“I also spend time with the youth team, the likes of Ethan Walker, Jack Armer, Adam O’Reilly and Jack Baxter, and share my experiences with them so, when they are given their chance, they know what’s demanded of them and they can learn quickly to adapt to the first team.”
There is a lot more from the No.12 in Saturday’s programme, so make sure you pick up your 84-page edition, still just £3, on sale from Saturday from the ticket office and from sellers inside and outside the stadium.