| Name: | Chris Neal |
| Nationality: | English |
| Date of Birth: | 23/10/1985 |
| Height: | 6' 1" (186cm) |
| Weight: | 13st 8lbs (86.0kg) |
| Previous | |
| Clubs: | Tamworth (loan) |
| Position: | Goalkeeper |
Chris Neal is regarded as one of the brightest prospects at Deepdale.
Having joined the Lilywhites in 2004 he has yet to make a competitive start, with his only league appearance coming as a substitute against Ipswich in February 2005 when he replaced Gavin Ward who suffered a head injury.
Since then he has spent time out on loan at Tamworth and Shrewsbury Town. He made six starts in total at Tamworth whereas his solitary match for the Shrews came in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy against Hereford United.
He was an unused sub for five games in November, while Andy Lonergan was on loan at Swindon but a knee injury in December ruled him out for around three months. By the time he was fit Wayne Henderson had arrived at Preston but it didn't stop Paul Simpson offering the youngster a new three-year contract, which he duly signed.
Neal also spent the back end of the 2006/07 season on loan at Morecambe and although he didn't feature in the Play-Off Final he can say he was a member of the squad that earned promotion to the Football League. The 2007/08 campaign has seen Neal feature as a reserve team regular, as well as taking his spot as the first team's backup keeper for the majority of the season.
Season 2007 - 08
