Preston North End are facing an uncertain time after Ben Whiteman's move to Wrexham. The club has lost every pre-season friendly since beating Bamber Bridge 4-1 in mid-July, and Whiteman's departure has added to the headlines. Whiteman, 30, had been at Preston since 2021 and had been captain since the summer of 2024, playing over 200 games for the club.
What happened?
Whiteman's departure was under a storm of controversy, with manager Paul Heckingbottom telling BBC Radio Lancashire that the skipper had "crossed a line" in an attempt to force through his departure. Heckingbottom added that "he's made his bed. I'm not bothered as long as I get another player."
Why it matters for Preston
With Whiteman's departure, Preston must consider replacing him with a new signing. The club is looking for a replacement for their departed captain, with several options in mind.
What comes next?
Here are four options that Preston should explore to replace their departed number 4. The first option is Alan Browne, who played for Sunderland last season and contributed to seven goals in 38 games. Browne, now 31, will likely be loaned out again or sold by his parent club before September. Preston's local rivals Blackburn Rovers are interested in signing Browne, but the club should throw their hats into the ring to secure his signature.
Another option is George Dobson, who played for Wrexham last season and could be a direct replacement for Whiteman. However, the Whiteman-to-Wrexham deal has missed an opportunity to snatch away a replacement for their skipper directly from the Racecourse Ground.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 14th in Championship, 60 pts, 15W-15D-16L from 46 games, recent form LWLLW. Goals this season: 55 scored, 62 conceded (-7 goal difference). Title race: 35 points behind leaders Coventry. Next fixture: vs Birmingham (at home, 2027-02-16) (10th in the table).
