Preston North End have had some very successful players on their books in their history since the club was formed in 1880.

Players such as David Beckham and World Cup winner Sir Bobby Charlton have played for the Lilywhites at points in their career.

But in the club's more recent history, they have had players who have caused a lot of damage and have gone on to bigger and better things...just not quite on the scale of winning a World Cup.

You see clubs signing former players more and more nowadays, with the players settling straight back into life with their ex-employers.

Preston have also done this recently with three of last season's loanees joining the club again but this time on permanent deals, including former Manchester United 'keeper Anders Lindergaard.

FLW writer Tom Rawcliffe identifies THREE former Preston players who would fit seamlessly into the current squad...

 

Billy Jones

Billy Jones123

Billy Jones signed for North End back in 2007 and spent 4 years with the Whites during which he won the club's Player of the Year award.

After the club's relegation to Sky Bet League One, the right-back captained his last game for the Lilywhites before moving to the Premier League to join West Bromwich Albion.

The full-back then moved on to Sunderland and he is still on the books at the Stadium of Light.

However, last season Billy Jones only managed to start 23 Premier League games for the Black Cats so he may be looking for a new destination where he will be playing week in week out.

Preston fans would certainly not say no to Jones re-joining the club as he was always a fans favourite during his time at Deepdale.

 

Matty James

Matty James

Matt James played for Preston over 2 loan spells during his time at Manchester United but he now plays permanently for Premier League champions Leicester City.

However, he played no football for the Foxes last season due to an injury which kept him out. During his spell on the sidelines, his teammates and his central midfield competition massively impressed pushing James further down the pecking order.

The centre-midfielder could very well be looking for a move during the summer and he may have to drop down a division in order to find regular playing time.

Despite North End not really needing any more men in the centre of the park, I'm sure that the club would snap at the opportunity to sign the 24-year-old.

 

Sean St Ledger

Sean St Ledger

Republic of Ireland international Sean St. Ledger played for the Whites between the years 2006 and 2011.

The centre-back massively impressed during his time with the club and he will always be remembered for his late goal against Queens Park Rangers, which put North End into the play-offs.

St. Ledger, who also won the club's Player of the Season award, then moved on to Leicester City but he is now playing his football in the MLS for Colorado Rapids.

The 31-year-old has been linked with a return to the club several times since his departure and he still regularly shows his love for the club on Twitter.