Opinion: Is League One move next for 33-year-old Preston North End man?

Scott Sinclair joined Preston North End to plenty of hype back in the 2019/20 campaign, having helped fire Celtic to Scottish Premier League glory.

It was seen as a big money move for the Lilywhites despite the player’s age (he was 30 that season) and many expected him to be rejuvenated at Deepdale having been given more game time and the chance to flourish.

Whilst there have been flashes of brilliance along the way – he top scored for PNE last season – he just never seemed to fully hit the same heights that he once managed and the expectations were perhaps too lofty on the former Man City man.

In his first campaign he managed three goals in 11 starts, which was a modest return for the new signing. A season later, 33 starts with ten goal contributions showed that he could certainly still offer plenty in terms of his finishing ability. The issue amongst Preston fans is that he just had a tendency to go missing in games. The supporters – and most football fans – want a forward who can offer other things apart from a handy finishing touch and Sinclair just wasn’t consistent, nor was he able to stay an influence on games throughout matches.

It led to the now 33-year-old being thrust all over the pitch this season, starting just six league games. He has been utilised as a forward but didn’t offer enough so was thrown onto the field as a LWB with equal results.

With not a single goal, plenty of others now above him in the pecking order and a contract that runs out at the end of the season, it all adds up to the possibility that he may be off in the summer to another team. So what next for Sinclair?

There might be some doubts over his ability in the Championship in terms of dictating games and remaining a consistent threat like