Old Boys 2008/2009 Season Round-Up Part 6

Last updated : 03 July 2009 By Paul Neat
Lewis Neal | Notts County & Carlisle United

Lewis Neal, despite being offered a new one year contract last summer, was deemed surplus to requirements last season at Deepdale due to the arrival of Ross Wallace. As a result, Neal was allowed to, initially, go out on loan to Notts County where he spent a month. During his short stint at Meadow Lane Neal helped County to a 4-0 win over Barnet on his debut and to 17th place in League Two before returning to Deepdale.

The former Stoke winger was then released on a free transfer and was allowed to join Carlisle United on a six-month deal until the end of the season. Despite impressing during his time in Cumbria, which included helping United avoid relegation on the last day, Neal was released leaving him without a club.

Lewis Neal

Notts County

Games: 6 (0) Goals: 0 Yellow Cards: 1 Red Cards: 0

Carlisle United

Games: 15 (1) Goals: 2 Yellow Cards: 0 Red Cards: 0


Alan McCormack | Southend United

The former North End youth player missed a fair-sized chunk of the 08/09 season due to a cartilage injury. As a result, the tenacious midfielder’s first-team appearances figures were not as lofty as those enjoyed in previous campaigns. Despite the injury, McCormack was still able to contribute to his side’s play-off pursuit even though the Essex outfit fell short in their tracks. McCormack has two years remaining on his contract at Roots Hall meaning he will have another crack at gaining promotion back to the Championship next year.

Games: 30 (8) Goals: 2 Yellow Cards: 10 Red Cards: 0


Tommy Miller | Ipswich Town

Thirty-year-old Miller spent the last two seasons back at Portman Road in what was his second spell as a tractor boy, having left in 2005 for Sunderland. Under Jim Magilton Miller proved himself to be every bit of the attacking midfielder which attracted Sunderland to take the former Hartlepool man to the Stadium of Light. Most notably for North End fans, Miller was once again a thorn in the side of Preston North End after finding the net in the 3-2 defeat at Deepdale.

However, after a change of manager Miller left Portman Road and has joined Sheffield Wednesday on a Bosman free transfer.

Games: 30 (7) Goals: 6 Yellow Cards: 4 Red Cards: 0

Tommy Miller

Nathan Fairhurst | Wrexham

Fairhurst moved to the Racehorse Ground initially on loan in November 2008 to join up with former North Ender stopper Gavin Ward. However, the Chorley-born youngster turned down a new contract with Preston and instead opted to join Wrexham on a more permanent basis. Fairhurst received rave reviews from the Wrexham faithful after impressing during his short spell and is relishing the prospect of regular first-team football next season.

Games: 15 (5) Goals: 2 Yellow Cards: 1 Red Cards: 0

Sean Gregan | Oldham Athletic

The North End legend very nearly became one of the many ex-Lilywhites looking for a club but after manager Dave Penney was impressed by the former Leeds man’s attitude, a new one-year deal was handed to him. Gregan became an influential member of the Lactics’ squad and contributed to what could have been a good season for the Greater Manchester club. Unfortunately for Oldham, they were thwarted in their attempts to gain promotion and instead had to make to with a 10th place position.

Games: 41 (2) Goals: 0 Yellow Cards: 6 Red Cards: 1

Sean Gregan


Chris Day | Stevenage Borough

The former QPR ‘keeper joined Boro early in the 2008/2009 campaign and it wasn’t before long he made the figurative number one spot his own. Stevenage, with Day between the sticks, enjoyed what can be regarded as a rather successful season after finishing 5th and just seven points behind Blue Square Premier Champions Burton Albion. Day et al will be hoping that they can build on their success and push towards promotion back into the Football League during the 2009/2010 campaign.

Games: 41 (0) Goals: 0 Yellow Cards: 1 Red Cards: 0


Jason Jarrett |Preston North End and Brighton & Hove Albion

It proved to be another season frozen out of the first-team for Jason Jarrett and after just the odd appearance from the substitute’s bench, the former Wigan midfielder was released from his contract. Jarrett then finished the campaign with a short-term spell The Withdean Stadium in a bid to resurrect his career.

Unfortunately for Jarrett, he now finds himself looking for a new club after failing to secure a more long-term deal with Brighton who managed to avoid the drop to League Two.

Preston North End:

Games: 0 (3) Goals: 0 Yellow Cards: 0 Red Cards: 0

Brighton & Hove Albion:

Games: 12 (2) Goals: 0 Yellow Cards: 4 Red Cards: 0

Jason Jarrett