Preston boss Ryan Lowe reveals his chance meeting with Antonio Conte's brother

As it happens, Ryan Lowe was picking up secrets about Antonio Conte before realising he even needed them. From the Tottenham manager's brother, no less, so the information is solid.

'I was in Antonio Conte's box watching Liverpool win with my boy,' he tells Sportsmail. 'We got invited down, had some food and all that. It was a great experience. His brother was excellent. We spoke about Antonio a little bit.

'Then, lo and behold, we get drawn against them. I know Antonio's agent and have asked him what red wine he drinks. Hopefully he can come in at the end of the game and have a glass. I might have to talk a bit slowly because of my Scouse English.'

Lowe's invite to north London came two months before his Preston team were pitted against Spurs in an FA Cup fourth-round tie this Saturday that feels rather familiar. North End regularly draw Premier League opposition at home in this competition.

Lowe boasts two promotions on his c.v, taking Bury and Plymouth Argyle out of League Two. Pictures of those triumphs hang in his office, serving as reminders as he happily accepts the challenge of attempting to end Preston's 62-year top-flight exile.