Ex-Files: Michael Jackson
Before joining Preston from Bury, Jackson had a spell with Crewe but as his first team appearances were restricted to a mere five in just over under a year, he left seeking first team football. After making 129 solid performances for Bury, he caught the attention of Preston manager Gary Peters and a deal was agreed to take the centre half to Deepdale.
Many fans will remember the time when Michael Jackson first hit the Deepdale turf just over a decade ago, filling the void that now Everton manager, David Moyes left in the heart of the defence after arriving from Gig Lane. In his seven years as a Lilywhite, Jackson became a popular figure with the Deepdale faithful, getting them out of many a defensive jam by preventing many dangerous attacks from centre forwards throughout his 243 appearances. His goal return was impressive for a centre back too as he managed to notch up 17 goals for the club - the most he has ever scored for one club.
In 2004, Jackson departed Deepdale for yet another North West club in the form of Tranmere Rovers as first team opportunities became increasingly rare. The combination of Youl Mawene and skipper Chris Lucketti, as a central defensive partnership proved to be too difficult to displace. Jackson notched up 84 appearances and scored 8 goals for the Wirral club before joining Preston's bitter rivals, Blackpool.
Simon Grayson deemed Jackson as the ideal man to lead his team into the Championship and so named him as club captain. With Jackson as a defensive rock, Blackpool won promotion via the play-offs and currently find themselves in 12th place, six points ahead of Preston - a deficit that can however be halved this weekend.
Jackson's only visit to Deepdale since leaving North End was for Blackpool earlier on this season where the Tangerines took the three points back to the seaside. A controversial penalty and a 1-0 win was enough for Simon Grayson's men who will me hoping of a similar result this weekend when North End visit Bloomfield Road seeking revenge. In what will no doubt be a thriller, Jackson will be hoping he can be fit in time to make the squad to face his old club as his last appearance was brought abruptly to an end. At Portman Road, against Ipswich back in mid February he went off after just half an hour played with a suspected torn hamstring.
Before his injury, Jackson was virtually ever present for the seaside club, making 29 appearances in all competitions.