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PNE Land Jack Whatmough On Three-Year Deal
Preston North End are delighted to confirm Jack Whatmough has joined the club on a three-year deal.

The central defender, who left Wigan Athletic last week, will go straight into contention to feature in the opening match of the Sky Bet Championship season against Bristol City.

Jack will take the No.26 shirt and becomes the club’s sixth new addition of the window.


Speaking after signing, Jack said: “I’m over the moon. From the first moment I knew there was interest it was something that I wanted to get done as soon as possible. I’m really happy that it’s done.

“I just had a conversation with the gaffer there and I’m just looking forward to training now with the lads and starting the season and seeing where it can take us.


“No matter what level you’re at you want to test yourself and prove to people that you’re worthy of being at that level, and that’s what I want to do.

“I want to prove that I’m worthy to play Championship football. I think this club’s the perfect fit for me and one that I’m really excited for.”

Jack came through the Academy with Portsmouth and went on to feature 136 times for Pompey during a 13-year stint with the club.

The defender then moved on to join Wigan Athletic, where he won the club’s Player of the Season award in the 2021/22 campaign as the Latics earned promotion to the Championship.

Manager Ryan Lowe said: “I’m really pleased Jack’s committed to us because there were several clubs interested in him as everyone probably knows.

“Once we knew Jack was available and we’d spoken to him, we were really keen to get it done and I’m happy we’ve got him on board.

“He’s a footballing centre half who can play out from the back with a good range of passing and most importantly he’s a solid defender.

“He’s got plenty of experience and he adds to our competition in the backline which is what we want ultimately.”

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Bambo Diaby to Sheffield Wednesday

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Bambo Diaby has joined fellow Sky Bet Championship side Sheffield Wednesday for an undisclosed fee.

The central defender initially signed for Preston North End in January 2022 on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

Bambo then signed a two-year deal at Deepdale, making 25 appearances in total for the Lilywhites and scoring once.


Everyone at PNE would like to thank Bambo for his efforts during his time with the club and wish him all the best for the future.

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Finlay Cross-Adair has joined Annan Athletic on a loan deal which will run until 31st January.

The young striker, who signed a professional deal with PNE in December 2022, arrives at the cinch League One side ahead of their season getting underway this weekend.

Following promotion last term, the Scottish outfit begin their 2023/24 campaign with a trip to face Falkirk on Saturday 5th August.


The 18-year-old forward will hope to be involved as he looks to build up experience in a first team environment, following six appearances for North End last season.

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Two deals done apparently

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Mulitan Osmajic club record fee £2.15 million

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Milutan first name

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Striker Milutin Osmajić Signs Permanently
Preston North End are delighted to confirm striker Milutin Osmajić is set to join the club on a permanent basis from Cádiz for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance and a successful visa application.

The 24-year-old, who represents Montenegro on the international stage, has penned a four-year deal at Deepdale and will take the No.28 shirt.

Milutin arrives after netting eight goals on loan at Portuguese side Vizela during the 2022/23 campaign.


The forward began his career in Montenegro with Sutjeska Nikšić, before moving to La Liga to join Cádiz, and during his time there Milutin had loan spells in Turkey with Bandırmaspor and Portugal with Vizela.

Capped 17 times by his nation, the forward has featured in qualification campaigns for both the FIFA World Cup and UEFA EUROs.



Manager Ryan Lowe said: “Milutin came on our radar through MRKT Insights and our chief scout James Wallace.

“There were a number of clubs in for him and we’ve beaten those clubs to get his signature.

“He’ll join us once we’ve got the work permit, but we’re really pleased to have him. You only have to look at what he’s done in terms of scoring goals and his physique to know what he’s about.

“He’s strong, he’s powerful, and that’s something we feel really adds to the strikers we’ve got in the building, so we’re really pleased to get Milutin over the line.

“Ultimately he’s ours too so we can put the work into him to make him even better than he is now.”

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PNE Bring Liam Millar In On Loan
Preston North End are delighted to confirm Basel attacker Liam Millar will join the club on loan until the end of the season, subject to international clearance.

Liam, 23, has spent the previous two years with the Swiss top-flight side since his arrival from Liverpool in July 2021, making 98 appearances and scoring 13 times.

The versatile winger is also regularly called up to feature for the Canada national team, with 21 caps to his name, including one at the 2022 FIFA World Cup against Belgium.


Speaking after joining PNE, Liam said: “I’m buzzing to be here. It’s been a stressful couple of days but I’m happy to get it over the line and to get ready to go.

“I had a good chat with the gaffer. I like everything that he said to me and everything that comes with the club, so I’m excited to be here and excited to get going.”


During his time with Basel, Liam has earned experience on the European stage, having featured in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Earlier in his career, the Toronto-born winger had temporary spells away from Liverpool with Kilmarnock and Charlton Athletic.

Liam will now take the No.23 shirt at Deepdale and will have to wait until after the international break for his PNE debut.

Manager Ryan Lowe said: “We met with Liam back in March regarding him coming on a loan deal this season and we had a lot of things in place, but then the goalposts changed a little bit.

“Ever since we knew he was available, though, he’s one who’s been high on our radar.

“I watched Liam as a young boy when he was at Liverpool and I’ve kept an eye on him since he moved on.

“He’s had a couple of fantastic seasons in Basel playing European and international football, so he comes with great pedigree.

“He can play anywhere across the top end of the pitch, so we’re really excited to have him because he’s going to be a breath of fresh air for us.”

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O'Neil to Southport loan, dropping down the divisions last season he was at Grimsby suspect gone at the end of the season

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Lewis Leigh Bromley loan

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Preston North End are delighted to announce Brad Potts has signed a new contract which will keep him at Deepdale until at least 2026.

The 29-year-old, who has excelled at right wing back since manager Ryan Lowe’s appointment, was due to be out of contract at the end of the current season, but has now agreed a deal to stay for an additional two years.

Brad has made 178 appearances for North End since his arrival in 2019, and has played a key role in the side’s unbeaten start to the Sky Bet Championship season.

Brad said: “Obviously coming into the last year of your contract can be quite a difficult time if you want to get some security so I was over the moon to get it done.

“I love it here and I’ve never wanted to leave.


“I feel like I’m probably playing more with a smile on my face than I ever have to be honest with you.

“I want to stay here for as long as I can and that’s why I signed the contract.”



It’s been a brilliant few months for PNE’s No.44, having played every minute of the impressive league campaign so far, while individually winning two EPIC Risk Management man of the match awards, as well as the PFA Goal of the Season award.

Away from the pitch, Brad has also become a father in recent weeks, and he admitted family life had a part to play in his want for stability.

Before his arrival at Deepdale, the former Barnsley and Carlisle United player had previously been utilised in midfield, but under Ryan Lowe he has featured almost exclusively at right wing back.

The manager said: “I’m really pleased Pottsy’s going to be with us for the long haul. He’s well worthy of this new deal.

“Ever since I came through the door he’s been fantastic and he’s really made that right wing back position his own.

“He’s worked so hard and taken it upon himself to develop in that role, and we feel he’s still getting better and there’s still more to come.

“I’ve always said if the lads do good by me and the football club then we’ll do good by them, and with the way Pottsy’s been performing every week there’s no doubt he’s earned a new contract.”

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Preston North End are delighted to confirm James Pradic has signed a new deal which will see him stay at Deepdale until at least 2026.

The 18-year-old goalkeeper first signed a professional contract last summer and, with that deal set to expire this summer, the goalkeeper has now penned new terms to extend his stay.

James, who moved up north to join PNE in 2021 after leaving Charlton Athletic, has been training with the first team for the previous 18 months, as well as picking up experience out on loan.

James said: “I’m very happy. I knew coming into the season I had one year left so to have another two years I’m very delighted.

“This is my second full season with the first team. Especially the goalkeepers – me, Dai [Cornell], Freddie [Woodman], Polly [Mike Pollitt], we’ve all got a cracking relationship and we get on really well, and all my teammates really, so I’m really enjoying it.


“I’d love to play in the first team here, of course. I think my journey will be unique in itself; it won’t be the same as other players.

“I’ve just got to bide my time and hopefully my time will come and I’ll be starting in this team.”

The teenager played a key role in the success of the U19s during the league and cup double-winning season of 2021/22, before getting his opportunity with the first team.

James – a Wales youth international – has also gained experience of senior football away from Deepdale on loan with Bamber Bridge, featuring regularly in the Northern Premier League.

Manager Ryan Lowe said: “I’m really pleased to see James stay on for another two years.

“His attitude around the place and in training is fantastic, and we’ve seen him really progress since he joined us at Euxton, and we hope to see that continue in the coming years.”

Goalkeeper coach Mike Pollitt added: “He’s progressed really well over the past few months and he really deserves this new contract.

“He’s learned off us all here by being with us daily. Being a professional goalkeeper, he’s coming in early every morning and working with us every day.

“He’s had plenty of gametime at Bamber Bridge, getting that experience of playing men’s football, which at 18 can be difficult.

“He’s being exposed to the physical challenges which the Academy doesn’t give you.

“We’re delighted to tie him down. It’s the reward for what he’s done so far but he’s got to keep progressing now moving forwards.”