Ryan Lowe explains why Josh Earl and Tom Bayliss left Preston North End early

Preston North End manager Ryan Lowe has allowed Tom Bayliss and Josh Earl to leave the club to seal moves to League One clubs.

Bayliss has signed a two-year deal with Shrewsbury Town while Earl has penned the same contract at Fleetwood Town. Both players were under contract until 2023 at Deepdale, but had their respective deals terminated one year early.

After getting little football for Wigan Athletic in the third-tier last season, Bayliss was allowed to move on at his request - with the player in search of regular game time, which was not going to be in supply at Deepdale.

"I didn't really get the chance to work with Tom, I hadn't spoken to the boy at all," Lowe said. "He went to Wigan last season and struggled at times to get in their team. His career hadn't gone well really, being here, so we thought for Tom's benefit and our benefit, there was no point in him coming back to us, trying to force his way in, when we wanted to get other players through the door.

"We came to a mutual agreement with Tom and we wish him all the best. He's gone away now and got another challenge and it's one we wish him all the best in. But Tom probably won't be the only one - there are a couple of players who might find themselves surplus to requirements as well and need a new challenge.

"That's football, that's what happens. When new managers come in they want to bring their own players in and stamp their authority down. Some will stay, some will move on. Players will come and go."

Earl played his fair share of games for Lowe last season, but the academy graduate seemingly fell victim to a formation which does not quite suit. Lowe plays 3-5-2 and wants his wide men to contribute in the final third on a regular basis.

"Josh is another one