Preston North End’s youth production line hasn’t been too great in recent times, and the release of Tyrhys Dolan continues to spark discussion.
Ben Davies and Josh Earl have been success stories, and there is real hope for Ethan Walker – now on loan at Carlisle United – looking forward.
However, Dolan’s release over the summer sparked confusion, as he looked to be a real talent in the Under-18 side along with Walker.
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In the end, Preston let Dolan go, with no development squad to put him into, and Blackburn Rovers swooped to sign the teenager on a free transfer.
After a bright pre-season, Dolan is already starting for Blackburn’s first team – and he enjoyed a superb afternoon against Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.
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Dolan’s quick feet and imagination saw him win a penalty which Adam Armstrong converted, and he then got himself on the scoresheet to make it 2-0.
The 18-year-old played a key role in the 5-0 win, playing predominantly as a right-sided winger and earning praise from Rovers fans once again.
Dolan looks like a superb talent, so seeing Preston release him hurts enough without then seeing him join a local rival in Blackburn.
North End fans have been taking to Twitter to share their outrage at Dolan’s performances for Rovers, feeling that he is the one that got away whilst questioning the decision to let him go – even if Dolan may have been looking to move on anyway.