Andy Lonergan

Preston North End

Born in Preston, Lancashire, Lonergan grew up supporting Preston North End. Lonergan joined Blackburn Rovers' academy after they spotted him at a young age and beat off competition from Manchester United and Everton. His time at Blackburn Rovers was short–lived and he soon joined Preston North End, where he started his professional career. At age nine, Lonergan began taking interest in becoming a goalkeeper, a position he plays today. After attending St. Cecilia's RC Technology College (now St. Cecilia's RC High School), Lonergan progressed through the Youth Training Scheme and was offered a professional terms by Preston North End in the 2000–01 season. Lonergan then made his Preston debut managed by David Moyes as a 16-year-old in a League Cup tie away at Coventry City. However, Lonergan made an impression on his debut despite conceding four goals, as Preston North End lost 4–1. Despite this, Lonergan went on to win the Young Player of the Year for the 2000–01 season. With his progress being closely monitored by the goalkeeping coach, Peter Williams, he was sent out on loan to Darlington on 21 December 2002. After making his debut against Macclesfield Town on 21 December 2002 However, Lonergan's loan spell at Darlington ended after a week after picking up an injury. After recovering from an injury, Preston then sent him out on loan to rivals Blackpool. With David Moyes leaving to join Everton and Craig Brown entering the managerial fray at…

Lonergan is eligible to play for England and the Republic of Ireland. In 2000, Lonergan was called up by England U17, but had to withdraw from the squad because at the time, he was studying for his GCSEs. Lonergan revealed that his international commitment to England resulted in him missing out of school a lot. After playing just one game for the Republic of Ireland's U16s, Lonergan decided to play for the country of his birth England. He was called up to represent England's U-21 team for the first time in February 2004. He also played for England in the Under 20 World Cup. He is also eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland national team due to his Irish grandparents. Due to a change in FIFA rulings Lonergan became eligible for the Republic of Ireland, with the keeper on Giovanni Trapattoni's radar for the squad. Former Preston teammate and Republic of Ireland international Sean St. Ledger also championed Lonergan getting a call up to the Ireland squad. In May 2010, Lonergan revealed he would welcome a call up to the Republic of Ireland national team after he had initially refused an enquiry to be called up to the Irish squad.

As of match played 23 December 2020

Lonergan attended St. Cecilia's RC Technology College (now St. Cecilia's RC High School). He has two daughters, one of whom suffers from Phenylketonuria.