Hemmings signs off as chairman in style as eyes look to the future

Ian Penrose's post as non-executive chairman of Preston North End officially started this week, following Craig Hemmings' decision to step down from the role he held for more than six years.

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That call was communicated in typical, transparent fashion last week via a statement which carried detail and class but, perhaps most importantly, an air of someone ready to take this step away.

Hemmings' other business responsibilities and commitments have been the key factor, and therefore it is hard to view the arrival of Penrose as anything other than positive.

A steady hand on the wheel - given his close ties to the family and vast experience in sport - Penrose has North End very much in his heart as a supporter of the Lilywhites.

The 60-year-old boasts a wealth of global business acumen across the horse racing and gaming technology sectors. It is a change surely set to be seamless; one which will not set PNE back in anyway.