Preston North End have signed Ched Evans on a six-month loan deal from League One side Fleetwood Town. The 32-year-old originally joined Fleetwood on loan back in 2018, signing permanently the following year.
Evans has shown some promise by scoring 31 goals in 83 appearances for the club, however, disciplinary issues have marred this. Former Fleetwood Town manager Joey Barton suspended Evans citing “disciplinary and behavioural issues” which ultimately led to the striker leaving.
Preston North End Sign Ched Evans on Six-Month Loan Deal
✍️ Preston North End have completed the loan signing of forward Ched Evans from Fleetwood Town for the rest of the season.
➡️ https://t.co/Q5sOapXCZH#pnefc pic.twitter.com/8A8TcVYpM1
— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) January 6, 2021
Confirmed After Barton’s Fleetwood Departure
Preston manager Alex Neil has finally completed the signing of Ched Evans as the player joins the Lilywhites on loan. The sacking of Joey Barton almost upset the transfer, but Evans is keen on a return to both the Championship and the North West.
The Welshman had been linked with a move to Deepdale for some time as the relationship between he and Barton worsened. There is an element of risk to the transfer as Evans is returning to the Championship after a three-year stint in League One. Although, as it is only a six-month loan, the risk will only impact the current season.
Preston are keen on pushing into the play-off spots and sit just five points away from sixth place. The move for Evans is clearly an attempt to bolster this push towards the play-offs.
In footballing terms, the loan-deal will provide cover for injured striker Louis Moult and adds some experience to the North End side. However, there has been an uproar on social media from Preston fans due to the questionable character of Evans, and the way in which Evans leaves Fleetwood will only worsen their fears.
The striker has managed a decent goal tally whilst at Fleetwood but each season has seen diminishing returns. Whether or not Evans can still cut it in the Championship remains to be seen.
Ched Evans’ and Joey Barton’s Spat Ends With the Pair Leaving Fleetwood
The ongoing saga between the pair was the final straw for manager Joey Barton. His time at Fleetwood has been anything but peaceful. With multiple off and on-field incidents, Barton leaves the club with more question marks about his professionalism, and now this incident throws the footballing future of both Barton and Evans into doubt.
Whilst being completely separate individuals, the pair’s reputations seem to precede them – for very different reasons – but this saga will only add to their growing list of bad behaviour.
Main Photo
