BARROW AFC loan full-back Nick Wilmer-Anderton has been released by parent club Preston North End.

The 20-year-old spent the majority of the season at Holker Street, making 23 starts in two spells either side of the new year.

It was the second year in succession Wilmer-Anderton spent time with the Bluebirds, having come in under Darren Edmondson in early 2015 before suffering a broken shin which ended his season.

Current AFC manager Paul Cox renewed the youngster's stay with Barrow in January and has spoken of his admiration for the defender.

In April, he said: “He has tons of potential, tons and tons of desire and I love him to bits.

“We've had loads of one-on-ones with him, where I have simplified his game and if he was available next season, I'm sure we would love to have him.”

Championship side North End have also released Barrow-born and raised front man Jack Ryan, who has spent time out on loan with Morecambe and Southport this season.