Former Preston North End striker Connor Wickham has completed a shock Championship return by joining Cardiff City.
Wickham was a part of what will go down as a truly dismal period of recruitment at Preston North End.
The summer of 2021 brought Izzy Brown, Josh Murphy, Jamie Thomas and Matthew Olosunde in a period that has contributed to PNE’s stagnation.
Wickham joined outside of the transfer window as a free agent, having impressed Frankie McAvoy and co during a trial spell.
Wickham managed a substitute appearance against West Bromwich Albion before making a first start against Cheltenham Town in the Carabao Cup just a few days later.
That proved to be Wickham’s only start for North End and his final appearance for the club as he suffered a hamstring injury just minutes into the win over Cheltenham.
Wickham’s short-term deal ended in January 2022 and Ryan Lowe decided to let the striker leave for free.
The former Crystal Palace striker moved on to Milton Keynes Dons and then Forest Green Rovers, where he scored nine times in 20 games.
That brought the 29-year-old back to some kind of form and Wickham became a free agent once again in January as he left Forest Green.
Few really expected a Championship move to materialise but Cardiff City confirmed on Tuesday night that they have signed Wickham on a free transfer.
Wickham was not only immediately named in the squad to face Birmingham City last night, but even grabbed an assist!
Wickham came off the bench to set up Callum Robinson – another former PNE attacker – to seal a 2-0 win for the Bluebirds.
PNE host Cardiff on the 11th of March, meaning Wickham is in line for a return to Deepdale in the coming weeks having made a great start to his career under Sabri Lamouchi.