Alan Browne exit ends a Preston North End era as big questions left and next step vital

You rarely get the fairy tale ending in football, but the news of Alan Browne leaving Preston North End still felt strange. Inevitable in the end you may argue - the writing had been on the wall for a few months; the silence deafening. But for the vast majority of the Irishman’s ten year stay, it looked as though Deepdale would be the only home of his professional career. After 412 appearances and 46 goals, though, it’s the end of the road.

And it is also another exit, of a Lilywhites legend, played out in disappointing fashion. This cannot be how Browne imagined it ending. That leaves the obvious question: Why now? Only one man can really answer that. But what is clear is that there was a big change of heart somewhere along the line. That could be down to a number of factors and the Irishman’s next move - wherever that is to - may make the picture clearer.

But from, in September 2023, being ‘happy to sign’ a new deal if performances warranted an offer, to winning Player of the Year and rejecting one, is a real turnaround. Perhaps Browne, who turns 30 next year, just needs something new. Perhaps, after another similar season, it feels like time is ticking to achieve something. Perhaps being brought on as a substitute at Millwall for his 400th appearance, then taken off as part of a triple one in his final home game, played a part.

Those are just things to speculate, and people obviously will do until it’s addressed. His extended interview, after reaching that milestone at The Den, certainly had goodbye vibes in moments. But what is fact is that an outstanding North End career has closed out. For all the graft and bite, we saw moments of pure class too: Leeds and Blackburn away, Bolton and Cardiff at home. Browne is not the best player Preston have ever had, but few will be as relatable, few will care that much and few will get anywhere near his spot as 11th for all time PNE appearances.

There was always a sincerity in the midfielder’s eyes when discussing his ambition to reach number one on that list - giving up the chance to do that can’t have been easy. Club record money, as of late April, was also said to be on the table. From the outside, it looks like a decision where affection and emotion was taken out completely. North End will now need to bring quality through the door and others must step up as senior figures, but also leaders.

Maybe only in time, appreciation of Browne will increase. He often divided opinion and certainly had his critics. Of course, other big players have left in recent times and not done a great deal. But it’s hard to imagine his presence not being missed. The Irishman’s departure truly marks the end of an era, as the last from the 2017 class to leave. That was the glaring opportunity for Preston in Browne’s eyes. Did he think he’d get that close - and feel that way - again?

It won’t be easy filling the void left behind, but the scope for Preston to make a statement addition is now there. And in Ben Whiteman, the armband is being passed on to a more than ready character - the number four will do that justice, no problem. But the departure of Browne is - even with how long the saga dragged on and his best season a while ago - undoubtedly a blow. The Lilywhites took a punt on a 19-year-old in 2014; he leaves a North End great in 2024.