Preston have expressed their disappointment at the prospect of the National Football Museum moving from Deepdale to Manchester. The attraction, based at North End's stadium, has been linked with a move to Manchester's Urbis centre.

A statement from Preston said: "Preston North End was dismayed and shocked at the announcement the National Football Museum could be leaving Deepdale.

"The club played a huge role in the birth of the modern game as the winners of the first Football League, and the FA Cup the same season, the history and heritage of the game was born at Deepdale.

"It is the oldest ground still in use anywhere in the world and when it was chosen as the location of the museum, everyone said there was no better place to celebrate the great history of the national game and, in our opinion, nothing has changed.

"Here at Preston North End we do not want to see the museum go. We will support any action and promotional activity that will assist in keeping this fantastic facility at our top class completed stadium.

"Economic issues aside, the museum has found a home in Preston and it is where it should remain."