With Preston North End fans feeling like any sign of success has fizzled out into another average league finish, there are plenty of decisions to be made at Deepdale.
In particular, the future of the Lilywhites’ ever-present captain Alan Browne looks increasingly more uncertain. The 29-year-old has been a fantastic servant to the Lancashire club and has been a mainstay throughout several managerial changes. Playing over 400 times for the side, the Republic of Ireland international has netted 46 goals and led by example as an important, versatile midfielder. Since joining from Cork City in January 2014, Browne has played mainly through the middle of the pitch but has also filled in exceptionally as a wing-back or a right winger at times.
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Worryingly for North End, Browne’s contract is set to run out this summer, and while this has been a public concern for a long time, there is very little information suggesting an extension. If the Irish midfielder does leave on a free, Preston fans will be immediately hoping that the right suitor takes on his mantle. There are currently three players who may be able to step up to this opportunity and lead by example.
1. Ben Whiteman
Currently injured until early May, the ex-Doncaster Rovers midfielder has worked hard and slotted in extremely well in the Preston side since joining in January 2021. The 27-year-old has accumulated 141 appearances for the Lancashire club and popped up with some seriously vital goals. To be able to control the midfield with his physicality and range of passing requires a lot of character and ability on the ball. The Englishman has that in abundance.
Having signed a new long-term contract this January, Whiteman has extended his stay with the Lilywhites and could prove to be the perfect candidate to take on the armband, in a similar area of the pitch.
2. Liam Lindsay
The Scottish centre-back has arguably been Preston’s most consistent performer this season. The 28-year-old is another player who can provide crucial goals from set pieces when his team needs him. In particular, it was Lindsay who scored a diving header to take home all three points against Sheffield Wednesday in a 1-0 win in mid-August. These moments of bravery exemplify what it takes to be a leader of a Championship side.
Kian Best 🤝 Liam Lindsay
Ledson enjoying the celebrations 🥳#pnefc pic.twitter.com/zP6kM7fhax
— Sophie Howard (@sophiehoward92) August 19, 2023
It looks very likely that the Scot will be the only Preston North End player to feature in every game this season, with 44/44 appearances before the side face Leicester City and West Bromwich Albion to close out the campaign. If the opportunity arises, Lindsay would surely be champing at the bit to wear the armband should a tough decision be made on Browne’s future.
3. Alistair McCann
Despite not registering a single goal contribution this year, the Northern Ireland international has seen a tremendous upturn in form for the Lancashire side. In a new holding-midfield role, the 24-year-old has transformed his game and shown a clear resilience for ball retention and some signs of captaincy quality.
McCann has a lot of room to grow in this Preston North End team and is becoming a real fan favourite after the change in role. The Northern Irishman moved to the club in August 2021 from St. Johnstone and has appeared 99 times so far. With a few years on the other candidates, McCann could be a great long-term solution for the captaincy and could ignite a proper rebuild in the next few seasons.
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