Darren Ferguson begins cull at Preston North End

by Geraldine Lagard. Published Tue 04 May 2010 19:45, Last updated: 2010-05-04

Preston North End boss Darren Ferguson is expected to begin swinging the axe at Deepdale now the regular Championship season is over.

It is understood that winger Chris Sedgwick and defender Liam Chilvers will not be given deal extensions.

Elliott Ward and Tom Williams will return to Coventry and Peterborough respectively, while those players currently out on loan - Eddie Nolan, Stephen Elliott, Neill Collins and Neal Trotman - have been told they can leave.

Ferguson has also placed Michael Hart, Richard Chaplow, Darren Carter and Neil Mellor on the transfer list.

Defender Youl Mawene may well escape the clear-out as he is expected to hold talks with Ferguson about a new contract.

Mawene's current deal at Deepdale expires at the end of June and he will shortly start discussions with manager Darren Ferguson about an extension.

He told the Lancashire Evening Post: "We haven't really talked yet, I was back in France for a while recently.

"I want to stay at Preston - that's my priority.”