“I am therefore delighted that Ian has agreed to take over the role of Chairman. I have known Ian for many years, and I look forward to working with him as he oversees the Hemmings family financial support of the club and works with us to find new custodians. Success on the pitch is our primary wish, but also a club with community and people at its core. I am sure that Ian will bring some fresh ideas and impetus to PNE, to help guide the club forward over the important period ahead.”  

Penrose has a background in a variety of sectors including gaming, media and technology and is a lifelong Preston fan.

Speaking of his appointment he said “It is an absolute privilege to be appointed Chairman of the football club that I have supported since I was a boy. This is a proud football club, with incredible heritage, and I have taken my own personal pride in trying to spread the message of our great club as I have worked around the world. The Hemmings family have been supporters and financial benefactors for many years, weathering times of great difficulty and change in the football industry, and I look forward to working with them and all at PNE to achieve the best we can for the club and for the fans, of which I will always remain one.”  

Hemmings also released a 'strategy update' which went into more detail about the clubs future plans, covering a variety of topics from upgrading the academy, the Independent Football Regulator, and perhaps most relevant, the plans for investment or the future sale of the club.