Preston North End's top scorer Ched Evans signs new contract as former Man City and Sheffield United man is rewarded for fine form

Evans’ current deal was due to expire at the end of this season, having originally signed for the club in January 2021.

The 34-year-old is in a rich vein of form at the moment, scoring six goals in his last seven games which has shot him to the top of the PNE goalscoring charts.

Speaking about the new deal, Evans said: “I’m over the moon; to get the extra year is amazing.

“I think the next 18 months at Preston could be really positive. If you look at where we are in the league as well, it looks like there could be big, exciting times ahead for Preston.

“I’m happy here, really happy. I’m friends with all the lads, I get on with everybody, so it was an easy decision.

“I feel good, I feel strong at the moment and it’s probably the best position I’ve been in for the past few years and I’m just really pleased with how it’s going.”

The Welshman has played featured 66 times for North End, scoring 13 goals, and is growing more and more into a cult figure amongst the PNE support with his tireless work ethic during games and willingness to put his body on the line for the cause.

He has been a key player for manager Ryan Lowe this season, particularly of late with injuries to other strikers.

Lowe said: “First and foremost, I’m pleased for Ched and his family, because we felt he was well worthy of this extended contract.

“The timing with contracts has got to be spot on and, with the way Ched has been playing, he certainly deserves it, and I’m pleased we’ve sorted it relatively easily and quickly.

“I’ve said numerous times if you do good by me and the football club, we’ll do good by you, and that’s what we’ve done.

“We also want to continue helping Ched with his coaching badges as well. He’s already done some stuff here with Greg [Cunningham] and we feel we can help him with that.”