[themaclad]

Preston North End are delighted to announce Theo Carroll has signed his first professional deal with the club.

The midfielder, who has risen through the ranks since joining PNE at an early age, has put pen to paper on a three-year contract.

Theo, 18, made his senior debut for North End in last season’s Emirates FA Cup quarter-final against Aston Villa, before his Championship bow came at Elland Road in April.

He spent the whole of pre-season with the first team and was part of the matchday squad on the opening day of the 2025/26 season against Queens Park Rangers.

Theo said: “I’m really happy. It means a lot to me and my family with everything we’ve been through, so I’m really, really pleased.

“I've had some really good coaches through the Academy. I've loved every minute of being in the Academy from U8s/U9s all the way to the first team so to get my first professional contract means a lot.

“I think I've learned a lot over the last year or so. I've trained with really good players. I've still got a lot to learn and to improve, but for now I’m just trying to give everything.”

Manager Paul Heckingbottom added: “Theo’s fully deserving of this deal. Ever since I arrived at the club, he’s shown the right attitude and performed really well in training.

“He earned opportunities towards the back end of last season and played in some big matches. He spent all of pre-season with us and competes really well with more senior players day in, day out on the training pitch.”