Preston North End secure the signature of Fleetwood’s Maxwell

Preston North End have announced that they have secured the signing of goalkeeper Chris Maxwell on a free transfer.

Maxwell has signed a three-year contract at Deepdale, which will take effect on July 1, when his current deal at Fleetwood Town expires.

The 25-year-old Welshman has been an ever present member of the Cod Army side, and last season, he started every single one of the Cod Army’s 46 League One fixtures, helping the Fylde Coast outfit to survival on the final day.

Preston finished 12 points adrift of the play-off places on their return to the Championship this season – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

However; he has decided to depart Fleetwood for pastures new, with Preston manager Simon Grayson acquiring the services of the ‘keeper, as North End prepare for their second term in the Championship, having finished 11th in the table during the last campaign.

Maxwell arrived at Highbury back in the summer of 2012, when he signed from Wrexham, and subsequently became a key custodian in between the sticks – making over 100 club appearances, after his debut in February 2014 against Wycombe Wanderers.

Speaking about the move to the Lilywhites, the St Asaph native said: “It was not a difficult decision to make in signing for Preston.

“This is a massive club, the fan base and history speaks for itself.

“Preston have got a very experienced manager and staff who I’m looking forward to working with.

“Making the move provides a fantastic opportunity.”

During his time at Fleetwood, Maxwell’s efforts earned him the Player of the Year award following the 2014/15 season.