Former Preston defender Darnell Fisher announces retirement aged just 29
Former Preston North End right-back Darnell Fisher announced his retirement from professional football on Monday, at the age of 29. The defender has suffered from multiple injuries and lay-offs since leaving Deepdale and has felt the time is right to hang up his boots.
The former Celtic player left Preston to join Middlesbrough in January 2021, but he would manage just 13 appearances in two-and-a-half years before leaving this summer. Despite being pictured on trial with Notts County, Fisher was unable to find himself another, and it sounds as if he has had another recent setback.
Posting the announcement on Instagram, Fisher said “The time has come to hang my boots up due to my knee injury, I’ve tried everything to get back to full fitness, but just not meant to be.”
Fisher will be best remembered for his spell at Preston North End. He was one of Alex Neil’s first signings when he joined from Rotherham United in 2017. He had suffered relegation with The Millers in his only season with the club, but quickly established himself as first choice right-back under Alex Neil.
He was part of a strong side that flirted with the play-offs that season. Fisher was a crucial part along with Ben Davies, Ben Pearson and Jordan Hugill.
Darnell started his career north of the border with Celtic and played 21 times for The Bhoys. He also had a loan spell with St Johnstone.
However with Preston he was one of the best defenders in the league, and you rarely saw a winger get the better of Fisher. If he didn’t win the ball of them there was no way they were getting past him. He was also well known to wind up the opposition in a number of ways. A player you would love to have on your team but hate to play against.
Fisher would only score one goal for Preston, unfortunately it came in the season that was played behind closed doors, in a game against Norwich City which ended 2-2 at Carrow Road.
Fisher’s initial injury occurred when a friend slipped and fell on his knee, which makes it even more frustrating with it not even being directly related to football. The defender was clearly well liked at Preston with many of his former teammates commenting on his Instagram post.
Club captain Alan Browne commented “Been an absolute pleasure brother, on and off the pitch”. Whilst Ryan Ledson said “All the best Fish, what a player and what a fella (sic)”
Patrick Bauer wrote “All the best in your next chapter mate.” and fellow defender Andrew Hughes said similar words “All the best D, all the best in the next chapter.”
Who knows what that next chapter may hold for Fisher, but it wouldn’t have been one he would have been expecting to start at just 29. He should be in the prime of his career now. Preston fans will remember his spell at the club very fondly though, as he stands out as one of the best right-backs we have had at the club in the last decade.
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