Ben Whiteman issues a message to Preston and speaks on making the decision to join fellow Championship outfit Wrexham.
The 30 year old signs on a three year deal with an option for a further year, for an undisclosed fee, although reports say £3million was agreed.
It’s a transfer that got plenty of talk over the last week, and in his interview, made clear he and Wrexham matched in showing ambition and wanting to get into the Premier League.
Ben said in his first interview: “It’s an amazing feeling. I think it’s it’s obviously been sort of well publicised now and yeah, obviously once once the move’s now made, I’m thrilled really.”
Interviewer: “And when you first heard of the interest from Wrexham, what did you think and what were your feelings and thoughts at that time?”
Ben: “Yeah, obviously really interested trying to be really respectful to the club that I was at previously, but again, I think any Championship player at this moment in time um wants to join this football club. It’s a club that’s trending on the up. It’s a club that wants to get to the Premier League and it’s a club that does things I’d say everything properly really. So yeah, once once the interest was there, it’s really hard to ignore.”
Interviewer: “And in terms of for you on that personal level, but also that professional level, is it that ambition and that alignment of that ambition that was the biggest drive to go the club want to be in the Premier League? That’s one of my ambitions as a player.”
Ben: “100%. I think any footballer wants to play at the highest level possible. Um and and once the deal was agreed, I spoke to the manager and he said the same, the ambition of the football club is to get to the Premier League and and that’s mine too.”
Interviewer: “You just touched on it there. You’ve just spoken to the manager as well here at the Racecourse. What has that conversation been like and what’s that relationship been like in the early stages with the manager?”
Ben: “Really good. Really honest as you’d expect and yeah, you showed me the vision of the football club. I think you see it everywhere now where this football club’s going and now we need to take it to the next step and and get to the Premier League.”
Interviewer: “And in terms of what you’ve made of the football club’s rise, what has it been like from the outside in terms of seeing the club rise all the way from the National League to the Championship and then obviously last season competing against Wrexham in the Championship where we secured our highest ever finish in this division.”
Ben: “As you just mentioned there, it’s been really hard to ignore. I think obviously the whole sort of conversations around a football club is obviously there for all to see. I think you look around now in the championship and as I mentioned before every player wants to come here and I’ve been really fortunate enough again I’d like to thank the manager and all the staff for bringing me here to this football club.”
Interviewer: “And then in terms of any supporters who might not be familiar with your game obviously over 40 Championship appearances last season, the captain’s armband as well. What can supporters expect from you as a player?”
Ben: “Leadership qualities. I feel like I’ve gained a lot of experience now in the Championship. Wanting to win. And I think that’s the biggest thing now for a club like ours is wanting to make that next step and go to the next level. And yeah, I want to get on the ball. I want to make things happen. But again, the main thing is winning and um getting this club to where it belongs.”
Interviewer: “And for you as a player, how exciting is that challenge? I think we saw obviously with the disappointment against Middlesbrough on the last day of the regular championship season, just how close it was, but now here got your own opportunity to put your stamp on things. What’s that like for you?”
Ben: “Really exciting. as you mentioned there, I think the goal once you speak to everyone around the place is to get to the Premier League. That’s my ambition and that’s why you want to play football and you want to play as high as possible and yeah, I think this football club definitely matches my ambition.”
Interviewer: “Then just finally, Ben, if you had one message for our supporters, what would it be?”
Ben: “Oh, good question, say get ready. Yeah, let’s go. Let’s go to the Premier League.”
Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom spoke on Whiteman, to BBC Sport Lancashire after defeat to Stockport: “We’ve been in regular conversations in the last few days, and Ben knew there was a line I didn’t want him to cross.
“Unfortunately he has, and you can’t have that.
“My priority now is the players that are here and the players who want to play for us, and represent the club.
“Also Craig (Hemmings, owner) will have an issue with that, and Peter, because they pay the wages and things.
“There’s a valuation on him. I just hope for Ben’s sake that Wrexham are willing to pay it, otherwise he’s put himself in a really sticky situation.”
“He’s made his bed, I’m not bothered, as long as I get another player.”
⚪️ “There’s a valuation on him. I just hope for Ben’s sake that #Wrexham are willing to pay it; otherwise he’s put himself in a really sticky situation.”#Preston North End boss Paul Heckingbottom reveals Ben Whiteman says he’s “played his last game” for #pnefc#bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/vDYZk55kJ2
— BBC Sport Lancashire (@BBCLancsSport) August 1, 2026
Heckingbottom side are also suffering from a shortage of available first-team players, with Preston’s friendly against Barcelona at St George’s Park on Monday being cancelled.
He was asked – “In terms of the squad you do have, how far away from the squad you want is it?”
To which Heckingbottom replied: “Miles away.”
Watch the rest of what he had to say below…
⚪️ “(Reporter) In terms of the squad you do have, how far away from the squad you want is it?
“Miles away.”
Speaking on Saturday, #Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom expands on his response#pnefc | #bbcfootball https://t.co/xIsETXafzM pic.twitter.com/4fG3isyXD2
— BBC Sport Lancashire (@BBCLancsSport) August 5, 2026
Here’s what Whiteman had to say just 13 days ago…
A very brief statement from Preston confirming his exit: “Preston North End can confirm that Ben Whiteman has completed a permanent move to Wrexham for an undisclosed fee.
“Everyone at Preston North End thanks him for his time at the club and wishes him all the best for the future.”
Wrexham meanwhile said via their website: “Wrexham AFC are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Ben Whiteman from Preston North End for an undisclosed fee.
“Whiteman, who becomes the men’s first team’s second signing of the summer, has signed a three-year contract with an option for a further year, keeping him in North Wales until at least 2029.
“The 30-year-old has been a mainstay at Preston North End during his five-and-a-half-year stay at Deepdale, making more than 220 appearances for the club in all competitions since joining from Doncaster Rovers in January 2021.
“Whiteman began his career at Manchester United’s academy, before signing his first professional contract with Sheffield United in 2014.
“Loan spells with Mansfield Town and Doncaster Rovers followed, with the latter becoming a permanent move in 2018, and Whiteman being named team captain shortly after.
“He moved to Preston North End in January 2021 and scored his first goal for the club on April 20 that same year, in a 3-0 win over Derby County.
‘Whiteman made 43 league appearances for the Lilywhites last season, contributing two goals and five assists.”
His message to Preston, via Instagram: “To the North End faithful, Thank you for all your support over the past five and a half years.
“It has meant a huge amount to me and my family.
“To captain this club was an incredible honour, and one I never once took for granted.
“To every manager I played under, thank you for giving me the opportunity to develop, both as a player and as a person.
“To my teammates and all the staff I have worked alongside over the last five and a half years, thank you for your commitment, hard work and the memories we have shared. We have been through some difficult moments together, but everyone always gave everything to try and keep the club moving forward.
“As I move on to a new chapter, I’d simply say that football is never as straightforward as it can sometimes seem from the outside.
“There are always different perspectives and differing opinions and always 2 sides to every story. I leave with my head held high and nothing but love, respect and gratitude for Preston North End Football Club.
“Thank you again for everything, and I wish the club and its supporters nothing but success in the future.
“All the best, Whitey.”
On Whiteman’s signing, manager Phil Parkinson said: “We’re delighted to welcome Ben to the Football Club.
“He’s a very experienced Championship player, and we’re looking forward to working with him in the coming seasons.”
We can confirm that Ben Whiteman has completed a permanent move to Wrexham for an undisclosed fee.
Everyone at Preston North End thanks him for his time at the club and wishes him all the best for the future.#pnefc pic.twitter.com/71TF8b3f2f
— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) August 5, 2026
On joining Wrexham, he also said via Instagram: “I’m incredibly proud and honoured to be joining Wrexham. It’s a massive opportunity to be joining a club that’s got huge ambitions and a huge project going forward. Can’t wait to get started, see you all soon! 🔴🐉”
