Seventeen-year-old Zak Thomas is a student at Leyland's Runshaw College, and caught the eye of Magpies chief Tony Hesketh after a string of promising displays for Chorley's reserves.

"Zak is a fine centre-half and a good prospect," said Magpies boss Hesketh.

"He is doing extremely well in our second team and we rate him highly.

"His dad was a fantastic goalscorer at Deepdale in the 1980s, and it is great to see John coming down to Chorley each week to to watch Zak."

J.T. will be best remembered by North End fans for his prolific goal-scoring partnership with Gary Brazil, as Preston secured promotion from the old Fourth Division in 1987, a year after the Lilywhites were forced to apply for re-election to the Football League.

Thomas led the way with 28 goals in all competitions, including a hat-trick against Chorley in a second round FA Cup replay at Deepdale after a 0-0 draw at Ewood Park.

Thomas had later spells with Bolton and West Bromwich Albion before returning to Deepdale under Les Chapman, and then ending his career at Bamber Bridge.

Meanwhile, Hesketh has moved to strengthen his squad after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to his former club Lancaster.

Hesketh was hoping to confirm the signing of ex-Magpie Gavin-Lee Ellison, and was close to signing two other targets today.

If successful, Hesketh will include all three in tomorrow's home league fixture against Durham City.

He said: "We were awful at Lancaster, we just never got going. It is not like us to be lacklustre and tired because we are a young side with plenty of endeavour and energy.

"I've not lost faith in the boys but the time has come to try to bring some experience in.

"Gavin's an experienced operator. His experience will be invaluable to the younger guys."