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Paul Huntington joined Preston North End at a time of major upheaval.
The summer of 2012 was also the summer of Graham Westley, with the majority of the first team squad being replaced after a single, unsuccessful season in League One. In came players with experience at that level – and sometimes way below that level – with a big Stevenage Town cohort joining their former manager.
Huntington though came from Yeovil after a promising start to his career at then-Premier-League Newcastle United. He established himself quickly at Deepdale and ultimately scored the second goal at Wembley as PNE returned to the Championship under Simon Grayson.
Appearances were harder to come by in the Championship but ultimately Huntington’s time at North End is marked by a refusal to admit that his time at the club had come – and tending to prove himself right.
He talked to The Nose Bag about his time at the club, which teammates snored, the only time he had a night out and lots more.
TNB: Brought up in sunny Carlisle, how did you get into playing the beautiful game and into the ranks of Newcastle United youth?
PH: I was playing locally for Yewdale Pegasus Boys Club and was literally scouted by Newcastle u10’s. It was as straightforward as that.
TNB: Who was your boyhood team?
PH: As a kid I went to watch Carlisle with my dad, but then when I joined Newcastle, I started to go to most of their home games.
TNB: Graham Westley signed you from Yeovil. How did the Preston move come around and how easy a decision was it to come north?
PH: It wan an easy decision, I played against PNE for Yeovil and did well. It was up north, a big club and I was excited to join a good outfit.
TNB: Westley was a particular kind of bloke. I’ve got ask you, how did you find him?
PH: Unique! His ways could be different but there was some method to the madness, I always say I’m grateful for him signing me at PNE as without that I may not have had the chance to spend ten years at this special club.
TNB: What was your pre-match grub and music choice?
PH: Scrambled eggs and beans on brown toast. Music was usually dance to get you up for the game, but Gally was the DJ in the changing room.
TNB: Any pre-match superstitions?
PH: Too many to mention! If winning, it was the same routine, music, one sock first, shinpads the same, same trainers etc,
TNB: Favourite moment as a Lilywhite?
PH: Promotion from League One was special, but it was probably becoming a good established Championship player and competing for the Championship playoffs.
TNB: Crappest moment as a Lilywhite?
PH: Glyn Snodin ringing me in Summer 2014 telling me I could go even though I had a year left on my deal. That hurt and I still remember where I was when I took the call. Thankfully I managed to turn it around in the 2014/15 season.
TNB: What’s your proudest moment in football?
PH: Hard to pick just one, but either my debut in the Premier League for Newcastle or the promotions I’ve had at Wembley.
TNB: Biggest regret in football?
PH: Leaving Newcastle too soon when I was playing or featuring having just signed a new deal.
TNB: Who did you room with on away days and their most annoying habit?
PH: Ben Davies usually – snoring! Or Bailey Wright – snoring!
TNB: The most gifted player you played with at Deepdale?
PH: McGeady, so skillful and both feet were top quality.
TNB: And the most gifted you played with OR against in your career?
PH: Gifted, probably Paul Scholes or Mikel Arteta, they were playing three or four passes ahead of everybody else.
TNB: Who was the dressing room clown during your Deepdale tenure? Any repeatable stories?
PH: Probably Clarkey or Joe Rafferty. They were always joking about! Clarkeys laugh was infectious, he was a top guy!
TNB: Do you keep contact with any of the lads from your time at the club?
PH: Pottsy, Ben Davies, Garns, Browney, Greg and Woodsy in the main but still speak to Bails and Clarkey a bit too.
TNB: What was your favourite bar/club in Preston at the time?
PH: I only had one night out in Preston. I think it was the night of Wembley and we all ended up in Baluga. Top night!
TNB: You’d leave Deepdale and return to your home town of Carlisle. How easy a decision wasthat for you?
PH: It was made clearer that summer after leaving PNE. I spent three months at home full time with my young daughter and wife. I knew at 34 I didn’t want to be far from them.
TNB: At the time of writing, you’ve just taken a short term contract at Bradford. How’s that going and what’s the plan once you retire?
PH: It’s going ok, building up my fitness and I’m grateful for the opportunity from the manager. After football I’d like to stay in the game whether that’s in the agency world or setting up my own coaching academy.
TNB: Do you still follow PNE results and have you returned to Deepdale as a punter?
PH: It’s the first result I look for and still speak regularly with a few of the lads. Pottsy mainly, top guy! I haven’t been back yet as I’ve had games myself but do intend to get to some games home and away when possible.
TNB: Is there anything you wish to say to the PNE faithful?
PH: Thank you for making my ten years at the club special. I hope to see you at the testimonial to thank you all myself properly.
The Nose Bag: This article featured in the most recent edition of The Nose Bag, which was released in February 2025. You can take a subscription or buy issues from the archive here.
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