'No rush' for museum move ruling

Its supporters say Manchester has enormous potential as the new venue

The decision whether to move the National Football Museum from its current home in Preston to Manchester city centre has been postponed.

The proposal is to move the museum from its current site at Preston North End's Deepdale football ground, to the Urbis centre in Manchester.

Discussions had been due to take place at a meeting on Friday.

Museum chairman, Paul Dermody, said it was "a highly complex issue" which needed further careful consideration.

A date for a final decision has not been set.

The bids will go to an independent financial consultant before the museum's board of trustees makes a decision.

Mr Dermody said: "The trustees have a legal obligation to show that they have considered all the implications of both proposals. "

This is too important a decision to rush

Paul Dermody, museum chairman

Supporters of the Manchester proposal say it has "enormous potential" and that the move would secure the museum's financial future.

But a partnership was formed in Lancashire between two councils and the university with promises to secure the attraction's long-term future in Preston.

It promised immediate investment, a plan to attract sponsors, boost visitor numbers and revamp the exhibition space.

Mr Dermody added: "In consultation with our professional advisers, we have decided to postpone the meeting until we have a complete picture and have considered every issue that might arise.

"This is too important a decision to rush into and we believe that there are points that need greater clarification before the final decision is made. We must get it right."

Up to 100,000 people a year currently visit the museum.

Exhibits include the ball from the 1966 World Cup final, Maradona's shirt from the "Hand of God" game between England and Argentina and the oldest FA Cup trophy.

Preston North End were one of the 12 founder members of the Football League in 1888, becoming the first team to achieve the League title and FA Cup double.