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The volunteer match-day ball-collector team at Preston North End have been replaced, leaving some disappointed parents and children.
Ball-collecting at Deepdale Stadium on Championship match-days had been carried out by a team of volunteers sourced in partnership with Preston North End Community and Education Trust.
Blog Preston understands manager Paul Heckingbottom took the decision after a number of meetings with the volunteer team in which he expressed a desire for greater control during fixtures.
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The volunteers will be replaced by scholars at Preston North End and Blog Preston understands that they will not be required to purchase season tickets to attend games for the rest of the 2024/25 season.
It is not unusual for ball-collection teams at home game to play a part in game management strategy. Teams might be quicker to return the ball if the home team is chasing a goal – and slower if they are defending a result.
A letter sent to the parents of volunteers, seen by Blog Preston, said: “I am deeply saddened and upset by this news, but it has not come as a huge surprise.
“I am well aware of the complexities and influences that this system can have on the game and understand why the club want to bring it in-house from now on.”
But one parent expressed concern over seating arrangements, telling Blog Preston: “They sack all those lads who do it for free every home game and sit in all weathers purely because they are proud to do so.
“Now all those kids need to buy season tickets and they won’t be able to get to sit next to their family. That’s what I want the club to answer on.”
Blog Preston contacted Preston North End for a statement and the club confirmed that the volunteers would be given season tickets for the 2024/25 season.
They did not answer how, or if, the club would resolve concerns about volunteers being able to sit with family who already purchased season tickets.
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