Is it down to pure geography? I mean in recent times in the lower leagues our local derbies where against sides like Oldham and Tranmere but it wasn’t a true derby, more a derby of convenience because we couldn’t play are neighbours from hell. But last year saw the Seasiders promoted but the “Perfect 10” run was met by joyful Seasiders questioning “are you watching PNE”. In fact that was the first chant upon the final whistle at Wembley last year. There is a general hatred but I don’t think it is down purely to geography although that’s why our feud developed. 

We can go back in time to when the derby’s started in 1901 and it took an incredible 11 derbies for Blackpool to win there first. It took 25 years for the Seasiders to register there first derby day victory and although I wasn’t around at this time I’m pretty sure this left a bitter taste in ‘pool fans mouths, especially as during this time Preston had enjoyed FA Cup success.

Those pre-war years really did see Preston over shadow us. They were collecting silverware and winning derby games and although Blackpool won the second division in 1929-30 Preston where honestly the kings of the M55 at the time.  

The war saw a change in success and whilst Preston won an FA Cup and a Football League War Cup, Blackpool also started to pick up silverware. Winning the Lancashire cup in 1936 and 1937. Then after the war Blackpool started competing for FA Cups and the like.

 Then in 1948 Deepdale saw the Seasiders turn savage as they beat Preston 7-0 on there turf. The highest defeat inflicted on Preston even to this day. 1970 was also another crucial date in this timeline of hatred. Blackpool needed to beat Preston to win promotion. Preston needed to win to stay up, what happened? The Lashers won of course. Fred Pickering’s hat-trick sent the nobbers to a position they hadn’t been in, in all there time in the football league.

It was a dark day for them as they had hit there lowest low. But the other end of the M55 was jumping for joy as the Seasiders had secured promotion back to Division 1. 

With hooliganism been the trend in the 70’s and 80’s the feud developed deeper roots. Fans would be bounced around Revoe or Moor Park post match depending on the venue of the match. Many would say the derby has be set alight by off the field activities, Blackpool fans infamously tried to burn there stand down, twice unsuccessfully and whilst this was a severe act of hatred it’s only encouraged the rivalry between Preston fans and ‘Pool supporters. 

But the hatred between fans soon led away from football and at a Vibrators concert in Preston in 1978. Fans of both sides clashed and one Preston fans was stabbed to death. Personally I feel it was it this point the rivalry turned dark with a general hatred between some Blackpool and Preston fans. Like the dark feud which has developed with Bolton since the sickening murder of one young fan on our kop.  

The hatred between the fans has often turned to public disorder since that day, although we’d be stupid to say it didn’t exist before. Pubs have been smashed up and people bashed up in this rivalry and whilst other rivalry’s between clubs have lost this violent side to it, The West Lancashire Derby certainly hasn’t. Recently there was a “mini-riot” when ‘Pool fans coming back from a game and Preston fans also coming back from an away game clashed at Preston station. It reportedly caused thousands of pounds worth of damage with police having to restore order.  

Then when we met earlier this year nearly 20 people where arrested and a bus carrying ‘pool fans to the ground was smashed up. In revenge Preston fans attacked a Blackpool pub later that evening. 

The rivalry stepped up a gear, when Tony Ellis became a Seasider. Having fallen out with PNE Manager John Beck. He went and signed with there nearest rivals in the process upsetting half the PNE faithful and although some have found it in themselves to forgive him many haven’t. The fact is he’s a legend of two colours and his infamous move added another flame to the fire that rages between the two clubs. 

But the rivalry doesn’t always have to be malicious and I think we should finish on a positive note. In 2007 140 cyclists, fans of both Preston and Blackpool come together to do a charity bike ride for a local charity in Blackpool; The Brian House Children’s Hospice and for a day at least the hatred was put to one side. As fans rode “To hell and Back” to raise cash for the charity.  

It would appear that the derby has been shaped by Preston’s early years success, Hooliganism, Tony Ellis’s infamous move and several humiliations for both Preston and Blackpool at the hands of each other and whilst there is a genuine hatred between some fans, we’re more then willing to put it to one side for a good cause, which of course is more important then football.

 But come Saturday there will be no friend’s in Lilywhite, merely supporters of the enemy and an atmosphere greater then an orgasm. You can call it the M55 Derby, The West Lancs. Derby or what you please. But to me, it will always be the one true derby of football.

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