Preston North End Legend Criticises Ben Whiteman
Former Preston North End defender Mark Lawrenson has criticised captain Ben Whiteman over his attempt to force through a move to Championship rivals Wrexham.
Reports suggest the two clubs have agreed a fee of around £3 million for the midfielder, whose future became the subject of intense speculation after he was left out of Preston’s friendly defeat against Stockport County.
Manager Paul Heckingbottom subsequently revealed that Whiteman had told the Deepdale hierarchy he had played his final game for the club. The 30-year-old signed a new long-term contract in 2024, leaving Heckingbottom unimpressed by his stance.
There’s a valuation on him, I just hope for Ben’s sake that Wrexham are willing to pay it, otherwise he’s going to put himself in a really sticky situation.
I’m not bothered now, he’s made his bed, I’m not bothered as long as I get another player.
Lawrenson, who began his career with Preston before winning major honours with Liverpool, told the Lancashire Evening Post that Whiteman should respect the contract he signed.
If you sign your contract, you’ve signed your contract. Just because somebody else comes along and wants to take you, it’s just wrong isn’t it?
For the captain to say he wants to go, well, I would just say, ‘I am sorry, you’ve got a contract, see your contract out’.
Lawrenson accepted that Preston might consider the transfer worthwhile if the money enabled Heckingbottom to bring in several replacements, but argued that clubs must sometimes refuse to accommodate a player’s demands.
He’s a good player but if all the players wanted to do what he’s done, then there would be no football. Sometimes you’ve just got to say no to a player and that’s the way that it is.
Unless North End were going to get lots of money from the deal which would enable them to get two or three players, then that’s different.
Whiteman has been with Preston since joining from Doncaster Rovers in January 2021. The dispute now appears to have damaged his relationship with the club, regardless of whether Wrexham complete the proposed transfer.