FORMER North End manager Gary Peters this week got his feet under a different desk to become the club's Centre of Excellence Manager.

After time out to consider his future Peters walked back into Deepdale and announced his plans for his new role.

The career-minded 43-year-old turned down job offers from two other North West clubs for the chance to work with potential stars of the future in Preston. But was the choice a tough one? Gary certainly doesn't think so. He said: "It was an easy decision. It's a club I love working for and I don't think anyone has ever doubted my hard work or commitment whatever they think about other areas of my management."

The experienced ex-player, whose former clubs include Aldershot, Fulham and Wimbledon, will look after youngsters aged nine-16. His role will be to develop a Centre of Excellence breeding exceptional local talent, along the lines of other clubs such as Crewe and Manchester United.

Family-man Peters, who lives in Preston with his wife and children, actually looked after youth sides alongside playing in a spell at Reading.

He said: "I'm not a total stranger to this side of things. I really enjoyed it before. It's very satisfying.

"There's nothing better than seeing a young lad who you worked with at 11 or 12 going all the way and playing in the first team."

One of Gary's first jobs will be to work towards a Football League licence which acknowledges that Centres of Excellence are up to scratch.

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