England legend Jimmy Armfield has labelled Saturday’s Lancashire derby between Preston North End and Blackpool as “huge” for both clubs.
The former Blackpool star, 74, was part of the squad that won the World Cup in 1966, and recognises the importance of derby matches of this kind.
When asked about the importance of Saturday’s clash at Deepdale, Armfield said: “It’s huge at this moment in time. Derby matches are always very tense and extremely important to the fans and this will be no different for both sets of supporters.”
Armfield, who played 43 times for England, captaining his country on 15 occasions, spoke of how a local derby was a chance for both teams to pick up some much needed points.
He said: “Of late, PNE haven’t been doing brilliantly and not everything has gone Blackpool’s way either. I think it makes for a good game.”
And having played for the Seasiders 569 times, the Lancashire born ex full-back is rooting for an away-day victory. He continued: “I hope Blackpool win the game obviously, but I don’t get joy out of watching PNE lose like other people.
“I’m a huge fan of all Lancashire town teams. This is where football started after all.”
Armfield said he couldn’t remember exactly how many Lancashire derbies he had played in but that two in particular sprung to mind.
“I remember the very first one I played in. That was at Deepdale and we drew 3-3.
“The one in 1969 springs to mind too. We had to win to get promotion from the old second division which is now the Championship, and Preston needed to win to stay up.
“We won the game 3-0.”
It will be PNE boss Darren Ferguson’s first taste of the fierce rivalry. His team go into the match in good spirits after a midweek 2-1 victory over Sheffield United.
New boy Matthew James, on loan from Manchester United, is expected to keep his place following his debut goal at Deepdale on Tuesday night.
The Seasiders make the 20 mile trip from the coast with no fresh injury concerns and on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Tuesday night.
Key man Charlie Adam serves the final game of a two match ban for the Seasiders but Brett Ormerod returns against his former club having scored the winner against the lilywhites back in 1999.
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