Whiteman responds to Preston boos as Wrexham ease pressure

Wrexham midfielder Ben Whiteman “gave it back” to jeering Preston North End fans when celebrating his goal in a 4-1 win for his new club.

Whiteman was booed by Preston supporters at the Racecourse Ground following his controversial departure from Deepdale in August.

The former Lilywhites captain scored his first goal for Wrexham and celebrated by blowing a kiss in the direction of the away fans.

“It’s football, isn’t it? I had it all game and scored, so gave it them back – it’s part of the game,” Whiteman told BBC Sport Wales.

Whiteman spent five and a half years with Preston, making more than 200 appearances, before leaving for Wrexham.

“I had fond memories at the football club and things get said which I can’t control,” he said.

“I could understand that if the fans read that sort of stuff then they’re obviously going to have an opinion on it.

“It’s life and you just got to get on with it. It is what it is and I’m sure some things will swing for them, luckily today it went for me and the team.”

Manager Phil Parkinson praised Whiteman’s “most complete performance” for Wrexham and said he did his “talking on the pitch”.

The Red Dragons secured a much-needed win after a week in which reports suggested pressure was beginning to mount on Parkinson after the midweek loss to West Brom and a slow start to the season.

“I’m not on social media, so I don’t really see any of that sort of stuff,” Whiteman added.

“If you’re not winning games, there’s always going to be question marks, especially with where this football club wants to go.

“That performance was right up there in the second half and we deserved the win. We’ve got a fresh week to build into Blackburn.

“That’s massive at this level because games do come thick and fast. Once you get that rest through the week and prepare for the game, it’s a massive bonus.”

Wrexham’s win saw them move up to 14th in the Championship ahead of Saturday’s trip to Blackburn Rovers.