AT THE tender at of 29, Peter Church may be the Football League's youngest Chief Executive - but he's a wealth of experience behind him.

Before taking up his role at Preston North End at the start of summer, the Oxford University educated boss worked at First Leisure Corporation in Blackpool.

For eight years he worked hard for promotion, and by his own admissions learnt a lot from being employed in, shall we say, a wide variety of roles.

He said: "I really worked in just about every part of the business from sweeping out cellars to sitting on the board which ran clubs and bars with an £80 million turnover."

And the Brighton-born high-flier, who has something of passion for Birmingham City as well as being a big PNE fan, admits that really set him up well for the day in day challenges he faces at Deepdale.

Mr Church said: "Obviously you learn the value of entertainment and the emphasis on value for money and customer care.

"They expected results and employed hard-working almost courageous people. That's very much the hands on style I'm trying to incorporate at Deepdale. People here should be very supporter friendly."

Mr Church joined the club because they were ambitious and have great opportunities. He is relishing his challenge and puts improving standards throughout the club and relationships with supporters high on the agenda.

But does the fact he is the youngest man in his type of job in the country worry him: "It doesn't even cross my mind," he said.

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