PRESTON North End chairman Bryan Gray has cut off all links with a newly-formed supporters group, blasting them for being 'more interested in self publicity than the club.'

Mr Gray has written a stinging letter to the chairman of PSG 2000, a new pressure group made up of militant PNE fans, saying he will no longer be communicating with the group.

His stance follows an article in Total Football, which suggested the group believed the club needed a backer with more cash than Mr Gray's firm Baxi if it was to survive life in Division One.

Mr Gray has also taken offence to press reports, attributed to PSG 2000, condemning the club for being too slow in finish work on the National Football Museum, which will be based at Deepdale.

In his letter Mr Gray wrote: "In my five years as chairman I have never refused to speak to anyone.

"However I no longer intend to communicate with PSG 2000 until there is evidence that they are acting responsibly and putting PNE first, ahead of your own interest in self publicity."

PSG 2000 has already banned one member, Andrew Woods, from the group after he spoke out against the current board.

Speaking about his dismissal Mr Woods said: "I do not regret saying what I did. These questions need to be asked. I am a PNE fan but I can't believe I am being criticised for asking obvious questions. PSG 2000 isn't a supporters group, they are sheep."

Mark Holt, chairman of the group, said: "This isn't the start we would have wanted but we must stress PNE are our first and foremost concerns.

"We are representative of the fans but if people think otherwise then they should join us."

The group is holding a social evening tonight (Thursday) at the London Road Labour Club from 7pm.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.