The spotlight shines on Billy Davies

The Gaffer
By pnefans.co.uk
April 22 2005

Manager Billy Davies has seen his efforts at Deepdale come into the media spotlight and has even been compared to David Moyes....

Manager Billy Davies has found his hard work at Deepdale come into recognition with fellow scot David Moyes who as you all know took Northend to the playoff final in 2001.

Davies obviously flattered by this comparison wants to make his own mark on his Preston side and has certainly done so since taking over back in August and believes he has the personnel not only to take all three points in this Sundays fixture at Millwall to all but guarantee a playoff place but to guide Northend to playoff glory and see his side playing Premiership football next term.

"It's very flattering because Moyesie has done a wonderful job at Preston and is obviously doing a wonderful job at Everton and being compared to him is very much flattering," Davies told Sky Sports News.

"But we're trying to do our own thing here and we'll go about it in the right way so it's nice to hear that."

Preston are close to clinching a play-off berth but, even if they suffer a late collapse, Davies is adamant it has still been a successful season at Deepdale.

He added: "I've said all along that if Preston North End can finish in the top half of this league it'll be a major success, so no matter what happens it will be a successful season for us.

"But we are now in a position where hopefully we are going to finish the job and get into the play-offs which would be an absolutely sensational achievement."

North End defender Youl Mawene is not surprised by the impact that Davies has had since he took charge of the first team.

Mawene commented: "The gaffer is somebody who is really passionate and always believes in what he says.

"We knew we could have a good run and get as close as we can to the play-offs."

Quotes taken from skysports

Moyes in his Northend days with assistant Kelham O'Hanlon