PNE defender Tommy Spurr joins Fleetwood

Tommy Spurr has joined Fleetwood on a season-long loan

The 30-year-old had found first-team chances hard to come by at Deepdale since joining North End on a Bosman from Blackburn Rovers in July 2016.

He made 18 starts and seven appearances from the bench in PNE colours, scoring once.

With one year remaining on his contract, the loan to Fleetwood effectively brings his Preston career to a close.

Tommy Spurr in his last start for PNE against Brentford in February

Spurr played at both left-back and centre-half for North End.

He was signed initially to offer cover at left-back and that is where most of his appearances came in his first season.

But last summer, PNE boss Alex Neil moved him into the centre of defence and he started four of the first six Championship games in the middle.

A torn medial ligament in his left knee saw him miss four months of last season, with him returning to feature just once - February's 1-1 draw at Brentford.