Soccer fan keeps up via Internet

Harry Gent -- a true soccer fan. Photo by Conrad Weiler

Englishman Harry Gent doesn't let geography get in the way of his passion for football (not the American kind).

Gent, who lived in Preston, England, uses a 56K modem, computer and Internet Explorer to connect with White's World audio service and listen to his favorite soccer team's action.

To catch afternoon matches in England he must log on at 6 a.m. Sisters time. The service charge from White's is about $50 per year to connect via the Internet.

Gent is not alone, either, as Englishmen in Australia, Bangkok, Thailand, New Zealand, California, Florida and other sites listen to the soccer games and communicate with one another by email.

Gent's wife, Mary Beth Pearl-Gent, gave him a birthday and Christmas present -- a trip back to Preston in March. Tom Parker, lead commentator for the audio broadcasts from Preston, has asked Harry to be guest announcer when he visits Preston. Their acquaintance sprang up via email and Harry's interest in the Preston team.

Gent will be there for two games, March 18 vs. Walsall and March 22 vs. Portsmouth.

Gent played non-league soccer in Preston as an attacker and later on defense and is well suited to announce these matches.

"The Preston North End, a Division 1 Football Club, plays 46 league matches between August and May. Attendance averages about 14,000 plus the world-wide audience over the Internet," said Gent. "There are 24 teams in the league and Preston is in 18th place right now. Not looking too good for the league playoffs when the top six teams compete."

Preston is about 30 miles North of Liverpool on England's west coast.

"Preston is about 100 miles from Scotland," said Gent.

Gent has lived in Sisters for nearly two years, has his green card and hopes to become a citizen.

"This is God's country and I love it here," he said.

The 55-year old Englishman formerly worked at British Aerospace in the military aircraft division.

"We supplied Tornado fighter-bombers to various countries around the world," he said.

Asked about soccer's popularity in the United States, Gent points out there are about 20 teams playing professional soccer in this country.

Anyone interested in more information may contact Harry Gent at 388-1436 or visit the Preston Football web site at: http://www.pnefc.premiumtv.co.uk/.