Wrexham's pursuit of Preston captain sparks fury at club

Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom has accused captain Ben Whiteman of overstepping the mark after the midfielder announced his final appearance for the club, a claim that comes as Wrexham intensify interest in a summer Championship switch. The manager’s comments were made on BBC Radio Lancashire following Preston’s 1-0 pre‑season defeat.

Heckingbottom said Whiteman told him and chief executive Peter Ridsdale that he had played his last game for Preston North End, adding that the midfielder was "trying to force a move, which is an issue for me, for the players." He stressed that recent conversations had made clear there was a line the captain should not have crossed.

The 30‑year‑old Whiteman, who has made his intentions clear, is reportedly a target for Wrexham this summer and appears keen to complete a Championship transfer. The club’s interest has already led the captain to miss the pre‑season friendly against Stockport County.

Whiteman, a former Manchester United academy player, joined Preston North End in January 2021 and has amassed 224 appearances for the club. The input also references "Getty Whiteman," linking the name Getty to the player in the original report.

Heckingbottom warned that owner Craig Hemmings and chief executive Peter Ridsdale would also be concerned, noting that they pay the wages and that a valuation exists for the midfielder. He hoped that Wrexham would be willing to meet that valuation, otherwise Whiteman could find himself in a "really sticky situation."

When asked whether the situation needed a swift resolution, Heckingbottom reiterated that Whiteman had "crossed a line" and that the club could not tolerate such behaviour. He added, "I'm not bothered now, he's made his bed, I'm not bothered, as long as I get another player."

Preston North End are set for their 12th consecutive Championship season after finishing 14th last campaign. The summer has already seen a club‑record £6 million permanent signing of Alfie Devine from Tottenham Hotspur, after a loan spell that yielded 16 goal contributions in 48 games, and the arrival of goalkeeper Lee Nicholls from Huddersfield Town.

The team will open the season in the Carabao Cup on 8 August, facing Huddersfield Town, as they look to build a squad capable of improving on last year’s mid‑table finish while navigating the off‑field distraction surrounding Whiteman’s potential departure.