PRESTON North End fans are repaying the loyalty shown by unlucky player Simon Davey by raising cash for him after his career was wrecked by a training injury.

Midfielder Davey, 28, pictured, had been a prominent member of the PNE squad for six seasons, until he suffered an horrendous injury last year.

As he tried to catch a medicine ball, he felt a sharp pain down his back and leg. It later emerged he had damaged a disc in his back and underwent major back surgery, which carried with it a high risk of him being left disabled.

North End have already shown their loyalty to the player by offering him a new job on the coaching side, but now fans have decided to do their bit, by declaring the 1999-2000 season Simon Davey's Testimonial year.

The plan, devised by a business consortium headed by Dave McMurtrie, kicks off with a cabaret night held at Preston Grasshoppers ground on October 9.

Tony Slater, who will be compering the evening, said: "We have decided we want to do something for Simon, who has been so loyal to the club over the years.

"We are arranging a number of events, including quiz nights, golf days and sponsored walks in the Lake District."

Simon, who now spends his time working with the YTS trainees and helping out youth team coach Neil McDonald, as well as looking after the School of Excellence, said he was touched when he was told what was happening.

He said: "It is a lovely idea.

"I have lost seven years players' wages because of this injury and I have three little girls so I was delighted to receive this offer.

"I have been overwhelmed by the support I have received from everyone since I was told I would never play again."

Among the performers lined up for the October 9 gig are a Tom Jones sound-a-like and Karen Noblet, the local singer who became a winner of Stars in Their Eyes.

For tickets, which cost £7, call (01772) 200181, (01772) 655151, (01772) 460447.

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