STALWART midfielder Mark Rankine has parted company with Preston North End, the club has confirmed

The 33-year-old still had one year left to run on his contract but has struck a deal with club bosses which means he is now a free agent.

Rankine - or Shabba as he is known as by the Deepdale faithful - joined North End from Wolves in 1996 and has played more than 250 games for PNE since.

He was a key member of the team David Moyes guided into Division One, but struggled last season to get a regular place following the arrival of new manager Craig Brown, who opted for a more youthful midfield.

Brown transfer-listed Rankine and he spent the end of last season on loan at Sheffield United, playing in their play-off final defeat against his old side Wolves.

Club chairman Derek Shaw said: "It is a sad day because Mark has been a tremendous professional for Preston North End for six seasons."

"He is an extremely good professional, but times move on in football and we wish him all the best for the future."

Brown is looking to trim his squad by about six players.