NORTH End player Julian Darby has made a shock exit from the club after turning down a coaching role with the team.

News of the player's departure, whose contract ran out in June, was revealed on Tuesday by manager David Moyes, in an interview for the club's official call-line.

Thirty two-year-old Darby, who joined the club in 1996 as a midfield player, turned down an offer to begin a coaching role after deciding he still wanted to play first team football.

North End expect to appoint the former Bristol City boss Jimmy Lumsden to fill the role.

Moyes, who was sad to see the player go, said: "He was an excellent character to have around the club and I enjoyed the role he was undertaking, where he helped the younger players in training and played in the reserves and the first team when needed.

"Julian has been a great servant, but it was getting to the stage where I wanted him to be more of a coach, but it is probably the correct decision for him to continue playing and we wish him well."

Carlisle are interested in obtaining Darby's services. Following Darby's release, Moyes confirmed in the same interview that he would be announcing a new member of coaching staff by the end of this week. He said: "We will be bringing in another member of staff and hopefully come the end of the week we will be able to announce who will be joining us.

"It will be someone who will come in and join myself and Kel on the coaching side."

But manager David Moyes was made a very happy man last week when he finally managed to sign Toulouse player, Iain Anderson.

The 22-year-old Scottish lad was signed for a club record-equalling £500,000, which was the fee North End paid to Manchester United for Michael Appleton three years ago.

Anderson, who began his footballing career with Dundee United when he was just 16 years old, is seen by players and fans alike as a footballer of proven quality with even greater potential.

Nicknamed 'Ando', the player was adamant he wanted to sign for Preston, despite interest from other clubs and has signed a four year deal.

Delighted Moyes said: " I'm delighted Iain has signed for us. He is another young player who will become a long term member of the squad. fans will have seen for themselves what a good player he is and the price of £500,000 is a fair one, given the current transfer market."

On the training side of things, Moyes reported that everything was going well, with preparations for Friday's first pre-season friendly at Bamber Bridge (July 14) being well under way.

Moyes said: "There are no injuries and from that point of view it's been excellent. Everyone seems to be in fine shape.

"It's been the first time in ten weeks since the lads have put their boots and shin pads on and while we don't take any games lightly, I'm concentrating on the boys' fitness at the moment."

His only minor concern was for striker Jonathan Macken, who has missed a few days of light training after his girlfriend gave birth to their new baby boy.

NorthEnders are reminded that the ticket office will reopen on Monday July 17 at 9.00am.