Controversial former Leeds United and Cardiff City chairman Peter Ridsdale has been appointed as the new chairman of Preston North End.

Ridsdale, who has spent the last year at Plymouth Argyle working for their administrators, will take over management of North End who are struggling to return to the Championship.

His appointment comes after Maurice Lindsay stepped down on Thursday evening due to ill-health, following a turbulent period in PNE’s history.

Risdale faces an in-tray with the club’s finances in poor health and also a battle to ensure North End return to the Championship – they currently sit 14th in League One, five points outside the play-offs, after a poor run of form.

Ridsdale said on becoming chairman: “I am delighted and privileged to be joining Preston North End Football Club. Preston North End is a football club that has an incredible football heritage, a large and loyal supporter base and a club that frankly ought to be competing to join the Premier League rather than playing in League One.

“I sincerely hope that working with Preston North End’s existing staff and with the continued support of its fan base, I can play a part in ensuring that we return to the Championship as a minimum in the not too distant future.”

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