Lewis Gibson: Preston defender says leaving Everton key to kickstarting career

New Preston North End defender Lewis Gibson says leaving Everton in 2023 was key to kickstarting his career.

The 24-year-old came through the Toffees’ academy but did not make a single first-team appearance for the club.

He joined Plymouth Argyle in 2023 and helped the Pilgrims stay in the Championship last term before moving to Deepdale early in January, having made 63 appearances overall for the Devon club.

“It’s the step I had to take to progress in my career and Plymouth was that option to do that and find a home,” he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

“The support I had there from coaches, externally with the fans and internally with the players was second to none.

“That allowed me to be myself from the off and hit the ground running to perform at the level I did there.”