SCOUSER Eddie Cotton has been on an unusual career path to Preston North End.

The former printer, market trader and DJ is now a journalist for PNE, writing for the programme, magazine and fanzine.

Eddie has always had a love for football and has worked for North End as a freelance for 18 months.

He said: "It's great to be involved with football and journalism - I really enjoy it."

Eddie decided to change careers ten years ago when he was made redundant as a printer. After trying his hand at a number of jobs he decided to go back to college to study journalism.

"I was looking for a change of direction in my life so I looked at the media and thought that was the way to go."

Since then Eddie has not looked back as a sports journalist.

"When I finished college I set up a publication called Extra Time with four friends. It was based on Liverpool Football Club - who were brilliant with us."

He really enjoyed writing about his beloved Liverpool and was given free access by the club to write stories and conduct interviews.

After Extra Time folded, due to rival newspapers setting up football supplements, Eddie went on to write two books including the best selling Back Where We Belong.

The book was based on Liverpool's travelling supporters and was a real hit with the fans.

It was through writing his books that Eddie met John Booth - who is now his boss at Deepdale.

"I worked for Preston North End on a freelance basis for 18 months and was taken on full time in May."

Although he still lives in Liverpool and supports the Anfield side, there's no hiding his new-found affection for North End.

"Since I've been here I've struck up a great relationship with the players - they're a great bunch of lads.

"I must admit that the more I see them the more I want them to do well. Every time I see a North End goal I cheer - its surprised me how much I've got attached to them."

He has recently been working on the new house magazine The Northender which is brought out twice a season.

A pictorial book on Preston's greatest ever player, Tom Finney, is just about to go to press and Eddie is putting the words to it.

"It's a great honour for me."

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