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Wrexham midfielder Ben Whiteman says his version of events has yet to come to light following his contentious departure from Preston North End during the summer transfer window.
The 30-year-old served as Preston's club captain and drew criticism from former boss Paul Heckingbottom, who alleged Whiteman overstepped the mark when pushing for a transfer to the Racecourse Ground. Reports suggested the midfielder informed club officials he had played his last match for Preston as he sought a move to North Wales.
Whiteman was met with jeers from the passionate Preston faithful as Wrexham beat their visitors 4–1 at the weekend. The midfielder netted his first goal for his new club and chipped in with an assist, celebrating by turning to face the away end and blowing a kiss, only adding more heat to the situation.
Whiteman Insists Transfer Truth Will Emerge
Speaking after his impressive display against Preston, Whiteman maintained he harbored no ill will toward his former club.
"I had a brilliant time there," he tells Sports Illustrated. "...There are always two sides to every story.
"Mine will come out eventually, but there's a right time and place for everything. I understand the frustration, because I'd have felt the same reading all that stuff in the media. Yeah, my time will come."
When asked about the hostile reception from the away end, Whiteman added: "They were giving me grief all game, which is all part of football. I actually found it quite amusing, to be honest. Yeah, they can have it back."
Parkinson Delighted With Whiteman's Performance
Whiteman has cemented himself as an important figure in the Wrexham setup this season, featuring from the start in all but one of the club's Championship outings. His showing against Preston was arguably his finest in a Red Dragons shirt, and Phil Parkinson was thrilled with how he rose to the occasion.
"So pleased for Ben," the Wrexham manager said. "That was a difficult day for him because, first of all, we went into the game off the back of a defeat, and the Preston fans were clearly gunning for him.
"Ben has the greatest respect for Preston, the supporters, and everyone at the club. He wanted a new challenge and was told that if a bid arrived, they would consider it. We submitted a bid, they accepted it. Simple as that.
"It certainly wasn't about money for Ben, coming here. He was simply ready at this point in his career for a fresh start. I must emphasize, he has enormous respect for everyone at Preston, but he's mentally strong.
"When you're on the receiving end of the kind of abuse from opposition fans that he faced today, all you can do is let your football speak for itself. Creating goals and scoring one is certainly a fine way to do exactly that."