Coventry City have linked a man dubbed a ‘different animal’ as decision time looms for the free agent

Whoever signs Alan Browne will be getting an “incredible” player, claims Preston North End legend Paul Gallagher, speaking about the striker who is said to be of interest to Coventry City.

The former Lilywhites midfielder, 39, is now a manager, most recently working with Alex Neil at Stoke until he was sacked last season, and still maintains a strong interest in the North End. And when asked about his former team-mate, he says he will be “gutted” if the 29-year-old leaves Deepdale this summer, insisting he will be hard to replace both as a player and as a person.

Browne, whose current deal expires this weekend, has been offered what is claimed to be a “record” contract offer to stay but has so far failed to commit. Alan Nixon of The Sun claims that the Sky Blues and Sheffield United are keen on the versatile player who can play in multiple roles in the middle of the park as well as outfield.

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The North End club captain certainly ticks a number of boxes for City, not least in terms of his character, leadership and experience – qualities that are in short supply in the CBS Arena dressing room following the departures of high profile figures such as Kyle McFadzean, Liam Kelly and Simon Moore. And with Matty Godden – the club’s highest-profile player remaining – also set to leave this summer, Mark Robins’ squad could be sorely lacking in experience.

And Gallagher believes whoever signs Browne is getting more than a quality footballer.

Speaking about the player’s current situation and future, he told BBC Lancashire: “Yes, people are motivated by the financial side, but I’ve known Alan for a long time. He is a player I respect – honest, speaks his mind and leads by example on the pitch. Off the field, he lives his life as a family man.

“To play 400 games for Preston is an incredible achievement and in my opinion Preston North End is the right fit for Alan Browne. It represents who he is, the same DNA. And I just hope he stays because Alan is a Preston legend. He sets the standard and people respect him.”

He added: “With Alan, he’s a different animal in my opinion – hungry and he’ll find a way to get into the team (if he leaves). Players like Alan don’t come along very often. He’s more of a back-of-the-day kind of player who wears his heart on his sleeve. Even when he’s not playing his best, he’ll still impact a game and those around him because he has that character.

“It’s incredible to play so many games for Preston and be available for so many games. If he leaves it will be a big miss for Preston as he represents the football club very well – with the manners and standards he sets around the place. I just hope they can come to an agreement and he stays.”

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