Three-goal wonder Jermaine Beckford has revealed how he was 'very close' to walking away from football, months before his magical performance at Wembley.
Every single Preston North End fan that travelled to Wembley on Sunday can look back in many years and say ''I was there'' after a memorable play-off final.
The ''Lillywhites'' were comfortable 4-0 winners over Swindon Town and have hat-trick hero Jermaine Beckford to thank after he left his mark on the big stage, to send Preston to the Championship.
Preston were finally promoted on the 10th time of asking as they have been defeated in their previous nine play-off campaigns.
The former Leeds United striker claimed that an ear-infection that sidelined him for one month was almost the end of his football career.
However, the 31-year-old carried on and was rewarded by the end of the season after a starstruck performance in the League One play-off final.
"It makes it worth it after everything I've been through. To win promotion and get a hat-trick at Wembley, that hasn't quite sunk in. I'll be a bit teary eyed on the bus."
Beckford, who has also had a spell at Everton, joined Preston back in November on-loan till the end of the current season from Bolton and is still unsure where his future lies. After playing non-league football until the age of 22, he never thought a hat-trick at Wembley would follow.
A fantastic long-range goal in the semi-finals was another glorious memory for Preston fans and the club will more than likely look to make that loan deal permanent this summer.