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Will Keane and Brad Potts | CameraSport - Andrew Kearns
A handful of PNE players are in the final year of their deals - an overview of where they all stand
Andrew Hughes
He would be in the conversation for PNE’s Player of the Year, so far. The contract extensions given to him, Liam Lindsay and Jordan Storey raised a few eyebrows earlier this year but all three are having solid seasons. Hughes has led the way in that regard, with his performance level extremely consistent - as it has been for the last few years at left centre-back. The manager hailed his importance after last weekend’s draw at Millwall. Before a ball was kicked this campaign you’d have probably predicted it being the Welshman’s last year at Deepdale. The way he is going, the journey may well go on.
Brad Potts
Having been a consistent, reliable presence in the PNE XI for the last number of seasons, rotten injury luck has struck for Potts in 2025. He injured his hamstring in March, suffered another issue in pre-season and was then dealt a further setback last month - just as he looked on the verge of returning to action. There’s still time left this season for him to return and play a key part; the manager has always highlighted the value Potts adds to his squad as well. Right now, it’s a tough one to predict.
Robbie Brady
The Irishman had a positive individual 2024/25 campaign and was excellent on the final day draw at Bristol City - which kept Preston in the Championship. He won’t play much football this season, though, having undergone surgery on a calf problem in September. The surgery was done to limit the chance of further issues, which extends Brady’s time on the sidelines. He’s another player Heckingbottom regularly praised. But, with Thierry Small, Andrija Vukcevic and, potentially Jamal Lewis, on board come the summer, it could be time for Brady to move on. He is a quality player when fit, though.
Will Keane
It’s quite hard to see Keane sticking around beyond this season but he does appear to be closing in on a return to action. The striker is in a similar boat to Brady - he has quality in his locker but hasn’t been able to shake off one particular injury. With Milutin Osmajic banned for another eight games and Keane back in the fold, he’ll likely have the chance to get some game. Whether he sees his immediate future at Preston or not, Keane has always come across as a top professional and full commitment can be expected.
Dai Cornell
With Jack Walton’s arrival this summer, on a three-year contract, it points towards Cornell moving on after this season. The 34-year-old was included on the bench, alongside Walton, last time out but in the main hasn’t been making the match day squads this campaign. With youngster Li-Bau Stowell on a three-year pro-deal, it’s all set up for him to step into the number three role and learn from Daniel Iversen and Walton.
Noah Mawene
The midfielder was back on the Championship stage recently, at Southampton, after a frustrating calendar year with injury. The 20-year-old came through and showed some promise - his attitude and personality has also impressed team mates and staff. Mawene needs to play senior football regularly though, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he moved on in the summer. PNE could explore another season-long loan - after the Newport one didn’t quite pay off - and then assess after that.
James Pradic
The shot-stopper was highly rated when coming through the youth ranks and signed his first professional contract in 2022. Since then he has had a few loan spells and been included in some match day squads, while playing for the reserves. But, he isn’t in the picture right now and everything appears to suggest an exit come the summer.
There was plenty of hype around the young striker and he earned a call-up to Argentina’s youth side around that time. The last 12 months or so, however, his first team involvement has waned with manager Paul Heckingbottom preferring to include other teenagers. The forward’s career is still in its infancy and North End haven’t got him out on loan at all yet, but it’s not looking too promising right now.
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