JOHN Welsh is well aware that history is firmly against Preston’s play-off bid as they gear up for Sunday’s League One shootout with Swindon.

Preston have failed to emerge victorious from nine play-off campaigns, the most recent coming just last season as they fell to Rotherham in the semi-finals.

Town have already ensured that one such dismal record continues this post-season, condemning Sheffield United to their ninth unsuccessful play-off bid over two astonishing legs.

Welsh, a former England under 21 international and ex-Liverpool man, is taking no notice of such matters. He is adamant that the Lilywhites’ play-off hoodoo is there to broken.

“We are trying not to think too much about the fact that Preston have never won the play-offs,” said the midfielder.

“Records are there to be broken. You see it all the time in football – or in any sport for that matter.

“I think we broke a record the other week – winning the away leg of the semi-final.

“So that’s one record broken already – that’s a good sign of things to come.

“Just getting to Wembley does not mean anything. There probably will be times when you can take it all in as a spectacle.

“Obviously walking out on to the pitch will be something, but once the handshakes are done, I will be firmly back into professional mode and looking to win the game.”

Welsh is clearly a steady character, however he admitted to letting the mask slip when trying to scout his side’s play-off final opponents in the second leg of Town’s incredible 7-6 aggregate win over the Blades.

“I started watching the second leg in professional mode but by the end of the game I was like a fan,” he added.

“You just didn’t know which way it was going to go.

“We know what Swindon are all about. They get the ball down and play. They’ve got some good players. But we’ve got some special talents in Joe Garner and Jermaine Beckford.

“We’ve got some good dependable players and good creativity in midfield. I am sure if we get the confidence levels right we will be a force to be reckoned with on Sunday.”