Preston North End are delighted to confirm goalkeeper Jack Walton has joined the club for an undisclosed fee. The 27-year-old has made the move from Luton Town and put pen to paper on a three-year deal at Deepdale. Jack has spent the past two seasons on loan with Scottish side Dundee United, where he made 85 appearances as their first-choice ‘keeper. After signing for PNE, Jack said: “I’m delighted to get it done and I’m really excited to meet the lads, get in, and start training. “When I knew of the interest here, it was something I really wanted to get done. It's a massive club. It's close to where I grew up so I've always known Preston and how good of a club it is. “For my next challenge, it was something that suits me and I was really hoping to get it done.” please log in to view this image Jack’s career started with Barnsley where he went on to spend nine years, some of which were under the management of Paul Heckingbottom. During his time at Oakwell, he was part of a team who earned promotion to the Championship and then played a crucial role in the Tykes retaining their place in the division against all odds in 2019/20. The shot-stopper signed for Luton Town during their promotion-winning season up to the Premier League and Jack headed out on loan to Dundee United where he spent two campaigns and helped the club achieve a place in Europe. Manager Paul Heckingbottom said: “Jack’s someone I know well from our time at Barnsley together. He’s a great lad and a great goalkeeper. “He’s shown what he can do in the Championship before and he’s had a brilliant couple of years playing week in, week out in Scotland. “I’m looking forward to working with him again and seeing him challenge the goalkeepers in training.” Preston North End are delighted to announce the signing of Michael Smith on a two-year deal. The striker arrives at Deepdale following his departure from Sheffield Wednesday, where he scored 32 goals, eight of which came during the 2024/25 season. Michael has extensive experience playing in the Sky Bet EFL, having made 161 appearances in the Championship and almost 600 in all competitions across his career. Michael said: “I’m delighted to get it over the line so quickly. It’s a big club that I want to be a part of. I know quite a few of the boys so it seems like a good group to be involved in. “As a striker you pride yourself on goals. I've managed to score a few over the years and hopefully I can still keep getting better and keep developing under this manager and score a few more.” please log in to view this image The forward’s journey began with Darlington, where he made his debut in 2010, and since then Michael has worked his way up the pyramid, enjoying his breakthrough into the Championship in 2018 with Rotherham United. With a brilliant record of 60 goals for the Millers, Michael joined Sheffield Wednesday in 2022 and helped them seal a return to the second tier. He has been a key player for the Owls in recent years, prior to his departure from Hillsborough last week, and he now becomes PNE’s seventh summer signing. Paul Heckingbottom said: “Smudge is a player we know all about from his vast experience in the EFL. “He’s a really intelligent footballer and a brilliant finisher who adds something different to our team with the way he plays. “He’ll give us a real focal point at the top end of the pitch and he’s a striker who has a proven knack of being in the right place at the right time.”
Hmmm! Both being edged out of their current teams. No wonder they are 'happy to be at a big club'! Acase of 'blind faith' in Mr Heckinbottom.
Preston North End are delighted to confirm Andrija Vukčević has joined the club on a three-year deal, subject to international clearance. The Montenegrin has impressed since joining up with PNE on trial on Monday 14th July. During that time, he has featured in pre-season friendlies against Getafe and Tranmere Rovers. The left-back will now spend the next three years at Deepdale for what will be his first taste of English football. Andrija said: “I'm really happy to be here. Since day one, everyone has been kind to me since I joined them in Spain. They helped me with everything I needed. I’m really, really delighted to be here. “Now I want to showcase my abilities to show what I can do on the pitch and I'm sure that we're going to share some beautiful memories together.” please log in to view this image The 28-year-old’s career began in his home country with Budućnost Podgorica, where he earned experience playing in the Europa League. Since leaving Montenegro, Andrija has played across Europe in Spain, Serbia, Belgium and Croatia, and in Mexico with his most recent club, Juárez. Andrija also holds 18 caps for his country, often lining up alongside North End striker Milutin Osmajić. Manager Paul Heckingbottom said: “We’ve been really happy with Andy since he joined us out in Spain. He has a great attitude in training, gives his all every day, and he’s shown what he can do in the friendlies he’s played in. “He gives us real pace and power down the left-hand side of the pitch and adds to our options in that area.” Preston North End can confirm Ched Evans has left the club. The striker, who has been with PNE since 2021, was offered a coaching role working within the club’s Academy but has chosen to continue his playing career — a decision which the club fully respects and supports. Ched made 103 appearances during his time at Deepdale and was voted Players’ Player of the Year in the 2022/23 season. Ched said: “After four years as a Preston North End player, I want to thank the Hemmings family and Peter Ridsdale, the managers I worked under from Alex Neil to latterly Paul Heckingbottom, my team-mates and all the PNE staff who have been nothing but supportive during my time at Deepdale. “Most of all though this message is for the fans who gave me the warmest of welcomes and fantastic support when I was on the pitch, home and away. I will always have the best memories of my time at Preston. “For now though I need to play and having received an offer from Fleetwood Town, I will be joining them from today, Friday 25th July. “Finally, I wish the manager and all the players every success this coming season and I will be with the North End supporting from the sidelines.” Everyone at Preston North End would like to thank Ched for his efforts and wish him all the best for the future.
