GARY Parkinson put pen to paper on a three year contract with Lancashire rivals Preston North End today and declared: "I've made the right decision."

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph player of the season described the Deepdale deal as a "fantastic package" and a "contract I could not refuse".

Parkinson said: "I had to make a firm decision about my future and when Preston offered me a three-year deal it was too good an offer to turn down.

"I was tremendously impressed with Gary Peters and the setup at Deepdale and when I came away from the ground last Friday I had more or less made my mind up to sign.

"They are really going for it and spending some money to bring good players to the club.

"They've made a big challenge for the First Division a major priority next season and I'd love to help them get there.

"I've no bitterness towards Burnley and it is sad to leave a club that has played such a big part in your life over the past three years.

"But I think I've made the right decision. "You have to be realistic and look after your future. I'm 28 and have a wife and young family to think about. I think Burnley fans will respect my decision.

"Nothing can take away the memory of scoring the winng goal at Wembley in the 1994 play-off final against Stockport County.

"That was a marvellous experience and a day I will never forget."

It is no secret that Parkinson was unhappy with his contract situation at Burnley. He was offered a new two-year deal last week but has spent the last 12 months on a week-to-week contract. "Burnley had 12 months to sort me out and I was left hanging around. I just had to make a firm decision about my future," he added.

Now any future transfer deal between the two Lancashire neighbours would be likely to lead to a transfer tribunal.

Meanwhile, Turf Moor midfield pair Gerry Harrison and Damian Matthew are making good progress following hernia surgery last week.

"They are doing well and will both be back in time for the start of pre-season training on July 3," said Heath.

Peter Swan will not need surgery on his troublesome Achilles tendon, as was first feared and Heath added: "We hope a full rest will do the trick and then Peter will be firing on all cylinders when we start back again in July."

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