Paul McKenna

Preston North End

Born in Eccleston, Lancashire, after making his debut in 1997 he soon became a fixture in the Preston North End first team. His appearance tally was 427 at the end of the 2007–08 season. This puts him at number nine in the all-time record appearances for the club. He has worn the number 16 shirt since squad numbers were adopted by the Football League. The 2006–07 season ended in disappointment for the Chorley-born player, not only at missing out on the Play-offs but at missing the last two months of the season with a groin problem. However, he recovered from the injury in time to make a first-team return in October 2007, and was named club captain in one of Paul Simpson's last acts as manager. McKenna has missed just one game since being handed the captain's armband. McKenna scored the winning penalty in the penalty shoot-out of the 2000–01 Division One play-off semi-final second leg between Preston and Birmingham City at Deepdale, which saw the Lilywhites head to the Millennium Stadium for the final. McKenna was voted PFA Player of the Season at the end of the 2004–05 season after 35 appearances and 3 goals. He signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract with Preston in November 2005.

Nottingham Forest

McKenna signed for Nottingham Forest on a three-year contract for a fee of £750,000 on 20 July 2009. He was immediately installed as club captain. On 19 December 2009, McKenna scored his first goal for Forest against former club Preston…

Individual

PFA Fans' Player of the Year: 2004–05 Championship