Former Preston youngster Jack Armer has been backed to earn a professional contract after his Deepdale release

Released Preston youth star Jack Armer has been tipped to overcome the disappointment of rejection and forge a career in the professional game.
Jack ArmerJack Armer
Jack Armer

There were a few eyebrows raised last month when the 19-year-old left-sided defender was let go by North End.

A Scotland Under-19s international, Armer made the bench for PNE for a Championship game last season, although he did not get on.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He spent a large portion of the campaign on loan at Lancaster City and his performances in the NPL Premier Division earned rave reviews.

It is believed Armer was well thought of at Deepdale but the current climate in terms of the Covid-19 crisis meant boss Alex Neil was not in a position to offer him a new deal.

One person who would love to sign him is Dolly Blues boss Mark Fell, but he concedes that the youngster is destined to be snapped up by a club far higher up the football pyramid.

“I think Jack is very close to getting fixed up,” said Fell. “That’s with a professional club, which is exactly what he deserves because he’s a great lad. He’s looking to stay full-time and I think he will get that which is great for him.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I think he should be playing at a full-time club and hopefully playing regularly there.

“If he has to go to a League Two club or even a National League club then that will be the best for his development. I think him being released by North End was a sign of the times – I think that’s exactly what it was.

“The fact is the lad’s a Scottish youth international and I will find it hard to believe that managers at League One, Two or National League level are not looking at him.

“He’s had experience at Lancaster, played youth international football, he’s got to be worth a risk.”