Ched Evans has signed for Championship side Preston North End after falling out of favour at Fleetwood Town.
Just weeks after reports came out describing the striker as having poor discipline at the League One club, he has been snapped up Alex Neil and Preston on a loan deal which will run till the end of the season.
Evans, 32, follows former Fleetwood manager Joey Barton in departing the club during the past week, after murmurings of a bust up between the two.
Barton spoke out on Evan’s situation at the club last month and explained his reasoning for freezing out his centre-forward.
“He’s no longer with us and he’ll leave the building due to his discipline and his behaviour,” said Barton.
“There’s been multiple infractions and we always try to give a bit of leeway but it’s just run its course.”
Preston manager Alex Neil has a different take on Evans and believes that his experience and good character will be a positive for Preston, alongside his attributes on the field.
He is different from any striker we currently have,” said Neil.” “Ched is more of a take the ball in type, who works in about his feet and is very strong and he just gives us a different option and we have needed this for a little while, really.
“He will add competition at the top end of the pitch – he will be really excited about getting an opportunity in the Championship.
“He is very physical; he wants to look after the ball, take it into his feet and get you up the pitch and equally score goals
“If you look at his record at Fleetwood, he scored 37 goals and he will certainly add to the competition we have got, he knows what it takes to get out of this division.
“He’s an experienced player, a good lad, I have spoken to him at length and his character as much as anything else will be important for the team.
“We have spoken at length about adding Championship experience to our group and I think Ched fits that bracket; experience is crucial and he will certainly help us.”
