Why Preston North End defender Tommy Spurr's loan spell at Fleetwood could be over

Preston North End defender Tommy Spurr's loan spell with Fleetwood could be coming to an abrupt conclusion.
Tommy Spurr signed for Fleetwood on a season-long loan in JulyTommy Spurr signed for Fleetwood on a season-long loan in July
Tommy Spurr signed for Fleetwood on a season-long loan in July

Spurr went on a season’s loan to the League One side in the summer.

But he’s not played since the end of September due to a hip injury and has been back at North End having the injury assessed.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There is a chance that Spurr will need surgery and that would cut the loan short.

Spurr in action for AFC Wimbledon earlier in the seasonSpurr in action for AFC Wimbledon earlier in the season
Spurr in action for AFC Wimbledon earlier in the season

But even if he doesn’t, any sizeable length of absence may see Fleetwood try to cut the loan short.

Town boss Joey Barton is certainly talking in terms of Spurr not going back to the Fylde coast.

Barton said: “I have not seen Tommy for a bit, he has gone back to Preston.

“He picked up an injury that probably will take some time.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Tommy did have that in the background, it has flared up and I will be surprised if he plays for us again.

“I think he has to sort that out at Preston.

“He is back there, we need to touch base with him.

“I don’t know, in terms of long-term diagnosis, how long he will be out.

“It probably puts him into the New Year which means we have to free up that loan space.

“To be fair to Peter Ridsdale and Preston, they have been first class about it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Hopefully we can utilise that spot in the loan market in January.”

Spurr hasn’t had the best luck with injuries over the last couple of years.

After largely being a squad player in his first season with North End after joining on a Bosman from Blackburn, he got his chance in the back four when Alex Neil became manager.

He started last season in the centre of PNE defence before being edged out by Ben Davies.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But Spurr then suffered a medial ligament injury in a bounce game at the training ground and was sidelined for four months.

His only first-team game since then was February’s 1-1 draw at Brentford.

In the summer Spurr was widely expected to leave, with Jordan Storey having arrived to bolster the options in the centre of defence.

So it came as something of a surprise that his move away was only a loan deal, albeit for the full season which takes him to the end of his contract.

If he requires an operation, PNE have the duty of care to him as he is still contracted to them.

Spurr has played seven times for Fleetwood.