FORMER England U20 ace and Everton academy graduate Ryan Ledson has been released by Preston North End.
Ledson, who is dating Coronation Street star Lucy Fallon, leaves Deepdale after seven years following the expiration of his contract.
The 27-year-old midfielder joined Preston back in 2018, having spent time at Cambridge United and Oxford United after graduating from Everton’s academy.
And now he will be searching for the next step in his career after being included on Preston’s 2025 retained list as an “out of contract and released” player.
It’s not a surprise to Preston fans, who were made aware of Ledson’s imminent exit earlier in the week.
In a statement, the Liverpool-born star said: “I’ve had the best seven years that I could have asked for. This club means so much to me.
“I want to thank everyone at the club, from the staff behind the scenes to the owner and Peter.
“Thank you to the fans too for all the support you’ve given me over the years. I’m glad my last game for the club went as well as it did and I could have that moment with the fans at the end.
“I’ve absolutely loved my time here and I wish everyone at the club nothing but the best for the future.”
Ledson’s final game for the club was a 2-2 draw against Bristol City, a result that was just enough to keep the Lilywhites afloat in the Championship.
Preston North End full retained list
Here’s a look at who is staying and going for Preston North End…
Contracted Professionals
- Ali McCann
- Andrew Hughes
- Ben Whiteman
- Brad Potts
- Dai Cornell
- Felipe Rodriguez-Gentile
- Jack Whatmough
- James Pradic
- Jeppe Okkels
- Jordan Storey
- Kitt Nelson
- Lewis Gibson
- Liam Lindsay
- Mads Frøkjær
- Max Wilson
- Milutin Osmajić
- Noah Mawene
- Stefán Thórdarson
- Will Keane
In Negotiations
- Ched Evans (coaching role)
- Josh Seary
- Kacper Pasiek
- Robbie Brady
Out of Contract and Released
- Emil Riis
- Freddie Woodman
- Kian Best
- Kian Taylor
- Patrick Bauer
- Ryan Ledson
Loan Players Returning To Parent Clubs
- Kaine Kesler-Hayden
- Jayden Meghoma
- Ryan Porteous
- Sam Greenwood
He leaves PNE having played 215 games, scored seven goals and registered 14 assists.
Ledson’s partner Lucy Fallon, who plays Bethany Platt on ITV soap Coronation Street, supported him by re-sharing his exit announcement on her Instagram.
The pair, who have been dating since the Covid-19 lockdown, share two children together – a son named Sonny and a daughter called Nancy.
Clubs up and down the country are now announcing their retained lists as the season comes to a close, meaning top stars are being released all over the place.
Former Chelsea, Manchester City and Celtic star Scott Sinclair was another big name to wake up unemployed this week after his release from Bristol Rovers.
Club captain Sinclair, who shares three children with his former Corrie star ex Helen Flanagan, was let go by Rovers following their relegation into League Two.
Read the full article here