Preston North End are searching for a new goalkeeper following Richard Wright’s shock decision to call time on his Deepdale stay after less than a week.
The 34-year-old revealed family issues forced the premature exit which was announced by North End last night.
It’s probably the shortest-lived permanent transfer in PNE’s history.
While Wright agreed a one-year contract with North End at the end of May after leaving Ipswich, the deal only came into play last Sunday.
And he had just three days’ training before informing the club he didn’t want to live away from his family in East Anglia.
Preston chairman Peter Ridsdale told the Evening Post: “It’s disappointing but at the end of the day we want footballers here who feel comfortable being away from home if necessary.
“We respect Richard’s decision and sometimes in life this kind of thing happens.
“He’s been honest enough with us after three days, and we’ve parted with a handshake.
“At least it gives us a chance to find a new goalkeeper at a relatively early stage of the summer.
“Had this decision come when the season had got under way, it would have limited our options in the transfer market.
“We’ll crack on with looking for another keeper.
“When you set about building a squad, you always have other options in your thoughts and we’ll move on to them.”
PNE boss Graham Westley insisted there were no hard feelings as Wright departed.
He said: “It takes a brave man to be honest in a difficult situation like this. Richard thought that he could handle the separations from his family but he has found it too much.
“He is a good man and I wish him well on behalf of all at Preston.”
Wright has been based in the North West before during his time at Everton.
However, as he was only on a one-year deal, he didn’t want to move his family.
Said Wright: “It might seem somewhat dramatic.
“But I have only been away from my home in East Anglia for a few days and I know already that I simply cannot live that far away from my family. I have children settled in school, so moving isn’t an option.
“I think it is only fair to be honest now rather than down the line when the club may not be able to solve the problem that I am creating.”
Meanwhile, North End have added a clash with Greek side AEK Athens to their pre-season schedule.
The sides will meet at Deepdale on Saturday, July 28, kick-off 3pm.
Admission is £10 adults and £5 concessions, while ambassador season ticket holders will be charged £7.50 and £2.50.
And the void in the schedule on Saturday, August 11, has been filled by an open training session at Deepdale. The official team photo shoot will take place that day too.
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