Preston Lions have provided an update to their National Second Tier progress, following on from their expression of interest.
In an update to their supporters and the wider football community, the Lions officially registered their interest on February 12, with the club now working towards the March 3 submission deadline to move into the next stage – showing that they want to be a genuine contender for the new competition.
It’s an important and necessary step for clubs to take that leap into a second tier that will grow the game, and Preston are just one of those to put their hand up. The Lions’ interest is vindicated by their very own progression, off the back of a promotion to play in NPL Victoria 2 this season.
As an indication of the influence and support for Preston in the area of Reservoir, the club attracted 5,000 supporters to their Round 1 home fixture against Pascoe Vale FC. In a sign of things to come for a second tier competition, Preston would not look out of place.
With a larger support base comes bigger responsibility, something that Club President David Cvetkovski believes is what the players thrive off.
“We’re using the National Second Tier to show where we aspire to be, after some long years of rebuilding,” he told Soccerscene.
“Our aim is to make players and coaches as accessible as possible, which is what will help create the positive culture.
“The players are driven and know they need to perform with fan expectations – at the end of the day it’s something they need to be accustomed to.
“Working alongside even our rivals, we’re hoping the second tier can have a widespread huge impact on the sport.
“For example, we are in regular talks with Nick Maikousis at South Melbourne and have a good working relationship.
“There would be nothing better than to see us against South in front of 10-15,000 people. That’s where we strive to be.”
Despite being a club with rich history, the Lions still have room to grow and with the turnout they received last Friday night, they are on a quest for bigger and better things.
“We’re very big on fan engagement and it’s all about the people,” Cvetkovski added.
“At the end of the day, we’re in the entertainment industry and we just play a part with providing a great fan experience.
“There’s a real community feel around this club now and we just want to cater for that as best as possible.”
Only a few years ago, a redevelopment of their facilities saw the completion of their pavilion we see today, alongside the main grandstand that is completely buzzing on gameday.
Preston have set themselves up in preparedness to enter the National Second Tier, with works ongoing to make it happen.
