AN East Lancashire-born footballer is hoping his connection to a famous fan will provide a boost to his fledgling music career.

Gareth Ainsworth grew up in Pleckgate and plays in midfield for Queens Park Rangers in the Coca-Cola Championship.

The 33-year-old also has his own band, Dog Chewed the Handle, which is being lined up as a support act to Babyshambles, led by Pete Doherty.

Dog Chewed the Handle is believed to have been chosen because Doherty, famous for battling drug addiction, poetry and a relationship with supermodel Kate Moss, is a QPR fan.

Gareth, a former pupil of St. Augustine's RC High School in Billington, said he was keen to see whether they could reach an agreement with the former Libertines singer.

He said: "Pete's a massive QPR fan and at gigs people have been coming up to us and asking us whether we are signed.

"Maybe people are making the connection between us and Babyshambles because of Pete and the club.

"We haven't been contacted by Pete but we are aware of each other.

"Hopefully an agreement could be struck later this week so we could support them."

Gareth's inspiration came from lead singer of The Doors, Jim Morrison.

Gareth said: "I think we are a cross between the Ramones and the Arctic Monkeys, bringing back the live sound of the punk era.

"A couple of members are influenced by The Clash but I'm more into the late 60s and early 70s stuff like The Who and The Doors.

"Growing up in Blackburn, the first album my dad gave me was The Who "Live at Leeds" which blew me away.

"I've been playing in the band for past two years.

"We are trying to put together a CD. We'd love to get signed but it's hard to hit the big time."