PRESTON NORTH END Chairman Bryan Gray went to the same school as William Hague and studied for a chemistry degree like Margaret Thatcher.

But it wasn't the world of politics he plumped for, instead the Yorkshire-born 44-year-old embarked on a journey that would see him rise to the top of the world of business and football.

From a working class Barnsley background the former school head boy and York University graduate had big ambitions - things he still has for Preston North End.

Over twenty years at chemical giants ICI Mr Gray rose from a rep to running part of the company before being headhunted in 1994 by Bamber Bridge based heating company Baxi.

That year he was appointed the company's Chief Executive and became Chairman of PNE, something he admits reignited an old love of football.

Mr Gray said: "I was a Barnsley supporter when I was at school and watched Sheffield Wednesday because they were in the Premiership.

"I moved away from home and didn't really follow football but coming to Preston really got me interested again."

But what was it that made the father-of-three get involved with Preston. He explained: "It had all the right ingredients. There was a good brand name, the Tom Finney connection, and a great following in a big town."

Among Mr Gray's roles in the club are overseeing the building of Deepdale as a Premiership-standard stadium and the buying and selling of players - but it's the planned Football Museum that perhaps gives him the most pleasure.

Mr Gray said: "I consider it to be my baby to a certain extent. Many people have not yet realised what it's going to be like.

"We're talking about what will be a national museum for the national game in a country that gave football to the world."

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