Sky Bet League One strugglers Oldham Athletic have signed up Preston North End midfielder Ben Pringle on loan. He will link up with the Latics for the remainder of the campaign, having struggled to stamp down a place in Alex Neil’s team at Deepdale.
The 28-year-old hasn’t made a single appearance for the Lilywhites this season, so it is no surprise that he has been allowed to move on in this transfer window. Pringle made a name for himself during his time at Rotherham United, but has struggled to reach those heights since following spells with also Fulham and Ipswich. Oldham boss Richie Wellens clearly believes he still has a lot to offer.
The loan deal, which is subject to registration being cleared, should allow Pringle to make his debut for Oldham this coming weekend, which comes at home against his former club Rotherham. That being said, given he hasn’t played a first team match for many months, he may need some time to get up to speed. Perhaps it could be that Wellens gradually introduces him off the bench, or there is the theory that the best way for him to improve his fitness is to indeed play games as quickly as possible.z
Pringle has made over 200 career appearances but now enters a relegation battle in the league below. He has fond memories of League One having helped Rotherham gain promotion out of this division during Steve Evans’ tenure. Going into the weekend, Oldham are only outside the relegation spots by one point, with AFC Wimbledon just behind also having two games in hand.
