McAvoy: Trevor a Preston legend
PRESTON NORTH END boss Frankie McAvoy has paid a touching tribute to billionaire owner Trevor Hemmings after he sadly passed away last Monday.
Businessman Hemmings, who died aged 86, saved the club in 2010 after they were served with a winding-up order.
And Lilywhites boss McAvoy and the club will forever be grateful for his help in making sure the Lancashire outfit survived and blossomed under his ownership.
“It was a shock to everybody, it’s been a tough few days,” said McAvoy.
“At the end of the day he was a wonderful man.
“In my book I’ve classed him as a Preston legend.
“I think he was involved with the club for 48 years and he knew the difficulties they were in in 2010 and we owe a lot to him.
“Through Covid-19, which was difficult for everybody, Mr Hemmings made sure that everybody at Preston North End received their wages which is testament to the type of man he was.
“He’ll be sadly missed but he won’t be forgotten.
“We’re all privileged to be a part of Preston, it’s a real family club.”
Tickets for yesterday’s game against Derby were reduced to just £5 with the proceeds going to charities the late owner supported.
Hemmings was also heavily involved in horse racing and was a three-time Grand National-winning owner.
But his lifelong dream was to see the Lilywhites play in the Premier League.
And McAvoy stressed the most fitting tribute to the man who kept the club in existence is to end their painful wait for top-tier football.
“Our job is to win as many games as we can and be as successful as we can,” he added.
“He wanted nothing but success for Preston and everyone involved here has a chance to make the club as successful as we can.”