LEE Cartwright's 13 years at North End has come to an end just months after he revealed to the Citizen he feared he would be forced to quit Deepdale to save his career.

Cartwright has joined Stockport County for two years on a free transfer.

Rossendale-born Cartwright, 31, had grown frustrated by his lack of chances under Craig Brown after only getting a first team start when other players were injured.

He had to compete against young players such as Michael Keane and new signings such as Brian O'Neil for a place in the midfield. But he insisted he would only have happy memories of his time at Deepdale.

He said: "At my age, I need to be playing first team football and while I am going to miss this place, I know I am doing the right thing to move on."

He also left to the sound of plaudits from players and the board. North End chairman Derek Shaw said: "Lee is a great trainer and every manager who has been here has the highest respect for him and on behalf of the club, I want to wish him well and thank him. He has been a model professional."

Ryan Kidd, who, along with Cartwright and keeper David Lucas, made up the trio of players to figure in both championship-winning seasons, added: "I think he will go on playing until he is at least 40. On the training ground, everyone knows his physical ability. Stockport have got a great deal."

Eric Skora has also left Deepdale on loan until the end of the season at Kilmarnock in a bid to get first team action.

The 22-year-old former Nantes player has struggled to slot in to the team this year, but wants to stay with Preston in the long-term.