North End have one glaring contract situation to sort out with captain Alan Browne currently poised to leave for nothing.
Veteran duo Greg Cunningham and Ched Evans will be out of contract but their injury records mean extensions are up in the air.
Patrick Bauer is likely to leave when his deal ends this summer but Ben Woodburn’s future is anyone’s guess after a season of few starts but plenty of substitute appearances.
That is the first-team picture but there is also a decision to be made over Lewis Leigh.
The 20-year-old midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season unless PNE have an option in the deal which hasn’t been publicised.
Leigh is currently on loan at Crewe Alexandra and it was maybe a little surprising that North End allowed him to had on loan to League Two inside the final few months of his contract.
Before North End approved a new loan to Crewe, Leigh made an impression with National League side Bromley, which is coached by PNE stopper Freddie Woodman’s father.
PNE talent Lewis Leigh praised as contract decision looms
Leigh had to fight for playing time with the first squad at Crewe, but on Saturday he completed his first ninety minutes with the team.
The manager Lee Bell has lauded the midfield player after he began in a 1-1 tie with AFC Wimbledon.
Bell said on Crewe’s official website that he thought Leigh’s attitude was “excellent” and that he had been “exceptional” in training lately.
Bell believes that Leigh can make significant progress in the game and that additional playing experience will help him develop his mentality.
Bell remarked, “I was really impressed with Lewis.” “His demeanour has been outstanding. He purchased
The young man’s attitude is commendable and will undoubtedly help him succeed in his career, since his technical skills are also apparent. I think he played well, and maybe he can do even better now that he has more experience,” he continued.
It’s encouraging to see this kind of recognition, and PNE will soon need to decide whether to try to retain Leigh at the team.
Perhaps before making a new contract offer, North End wished to observe how he performed in the transition from the National League to League Two.
Leigh generated a lot of excitement in 2021, but due to a dearth of first-team playing time, that excitement has somewhat subsided.
Leigh will also have a lot to think about.
Leigh generated a lot of excitement in 2021, but due to a dearth of first-team playing time, that excitement has somewhat subsided.
Leigh will also have a lot to think about.
Having participated in men’s football at Bromley and Crewe, he will be interested in learning about PNE’s journey to the first team.
Few would really begrudge Leigh for trying to get first-team experience away from PNE if that wasn’t the case, especially as other EFL teams would undoubtedly be keeping a careful eye on him.
Leigh does appear to have potential, but with the summer window drawing near, he and PNE must now determine whether an extension is best for everyone.
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