Stanley president hails Procter's contribution (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Stanley president hails Procter's contribution

5:40pm Friday 20th January 2012 in Accrington By Chris Flanagan, Sports reporter

Accrington Stanley captain Andy Procter’s 10-year association with the club has ended after joining Preston North End yesterday.

Procter arrived at Stanley from Great Harwood Town in February 2002 and had been closing in on the club’s appearance record, but has made the step up to League One after Preston offered what is understood to have been just short of a six-figure fee, with potential add-ons.

The Reds had rejected an initial bid but Procter got off the coach to Aldershot for Stanley’s weekend fixture when a fee was agreed yesterday morning.

The 28-year-old's exit comes at the end of a week in which Rochdale have made Stanley boss John Coleman a target for their vacant managerial position.

Graham Westley, who took over as Preston manager at the weekend, had failed in an attempt to take Procter to Stevenage during the summer.

Stanley president Peter Marsden said: "It’s a good deal for all parties, Andy gets the chance to further his career and the club has got a substantial fee.

"Gone are the days when clubs get an Accrington Stanley player on the cheap.

"Andy has been a great servant and he was close to the club’s appearance record, so it would be great if towards the end of his career he came back to the club to break that record."

Procter moves initially on loan before completing a permanent move next week, allowing Preston to beat the deadline to field him against Leyton Orient today.

"The Accrington supporters have been great with me over the years," Procter said.

"I would like to go back there later on in my career. But I am absolutely delighted to be here (Preston)."

Procter is Stanley’s second highest appearance maker after playing 416 games for the club – 49 games short of Mullin’s record of 465.