Thousands flocked to Deepdale Stadium to get their hands on the new Preston North End kit.
It was revealed earlier this week that local business and social media stars Spud Bros would be sponsoring the kit for the 2025/26 season.
That kit was released online yesterday (27 June) but Deepdale Stadium this morning (28 June) hosted a formal launch that offered the first 2,000 people to buy the new kit a free jacket potato.
The Spud Bros themselves said they were overwhelmed by the occasion and struggled with having to keep the deal with the club a secret.
Speaking to Blog Preston, Harley said: “It’s unbelievable to go from mascots to sponsors. I never thought in my life we would be a sponsor.
“Obviously we’ve been in discussions with Preston for a bit, then before it was being posted on social media we were like little kids. Trying to keep it a secret was so hard, we’re not good at secrets. I felt I was going to explode, especially when we saw the top.”
Jacob said: “From a little hot potato tram that’s been on the Flag Market since 1955. My dad’s been a North End fan for 50 years. We’ve been mascots. We’ve got Preston in our veins, so it’s just unreal.”
Snaking queues could be seen at Deepdale by 10am but the first person in the queue had arrived by 3am.
SpudBros said that they are thrilled to see such busy scenes at Deepdale Stadium and hope that it’s the first step in a sense of excitement returning to the club.
Harley said: “I think it’s just a stepping stone now, isn’t it, helping bring it back to life. Football back in the day was about the people, we just feel like it’s just missing that spark. And, you know, it’s not just about a logo on the shirt for us. This is about community, this is about Preston, this is about making people want to come, it’s about the fans.”
Jacob added: “We’re not just in this for the potatoes and being online, we’re in it for Preston and the community. We just love doing stuff like this. But don’t get me wrong, it is a good potato.”
“We need to push, promotion, that’s the goal. We’re trying to put fuel on the fire and help everyone believe.”
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