At the AGM, the club welcomed a new President with the election of Bob Thompson to the post held so successfully for the last 7 years by Keith “Dad” Brierley.

After graduating from Nottingham University, Bob came to Preston in 1972 to work for Preston Farmers in New Hall Lane. He then joined the Grasshoppers at their old ground in Lea, shortly before they moved to the new ground in Lightfoot green in 1973 where he was made club captain for the year 73/74. With the ground transition from Lea to Bradley's duck farm at Lightfoot Green, there was many a challenge rugby wise for Bob, but loads of fun to be had with new friends/colleagues, a new swimming pool and a new club house with discos on a Saturday night. Bob continued to play for the senior sides of Grasshoppers throughout the 70s and 80s and has been a loyal supporter to the first team over the years since. After the sale of the Preston Farmers/AF PLC business in 2000, Bob set up and ran his own successful executive recruitment business in the agri- supply industry. He is married to Brenda and has a son Andrew and a daughter Kate. Bob and Brenda are shortly to celebrate their golden wedding in a few weeks’ time and we congratulate them and wish them all the best for the future.

At the start of his new presidency, Bob hopes to bring forward his own brand of energy and enthusiasm for the future success of Preston Grasshoppers.

Graham Cox
Honorary Secretary PGRFC