Preston North End Football Club News

• Nickname:lilywhites
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Graham Westley

• Ground:Deepdale
• Capacity:22,226

Simpson expects Nugent exit

07 May 2007 - 12:34:30

Click To Enlarge

Preston North End manager Paul Simpson expects David Nugent to leave following the club's failure to claim a play-off place.

Nugent, 22, has been linked with a host of Premiership clubs following his goalscoring debut for England in the 3-0 Euro 2008 qualifying victory over Andorra in March.

The former Bury striker claimed he wanted to play for Preston in the top-flight but, after missing out on the play-offs despite a final day 1-0 win over Birmingham City, looks set to leave Deepdale in the summer.

Nugent has netted 17 times for the Lilywhites this season and received a standing ovation when he was replaced with five minutes to go against Birmingham.

"The speculation has already started over the last week with figures being bandied about," admitted Simpson.

"I don't believe they are the right sort of figures for an England international who is 22 and scoring consistently at Championship level.

"Unless we get the right fee, I hope David Nugent will be with us next season.

"I'd like to keep him here, but I'm very real about things. The Premiership is the place to be.

"If he is going to go, I would like it settled as soon as possible so I'd know exactly what money we have to strengthen the squad."