Preston North End faced their old skipper last Saturday, losing 4-1 as Wrexham stormed their way to a home win. 

Ben Whiteman was among the goals, giving his new team the lead against PNE and not looked back. 

Except, he did – turning towards the away fans and blowing them a kiss and stared at them while taking adoration from his teammates and fans. 

This prompted an outcry from the North End faithful, who felt the celebration was distasteful after coming out saying he has ‘respect’ for everyone at the club during an appearance with ‘That Wrexham Podcast’.

During that podcast appearance, he explained that the noise from the media was ‘not the case’, after rumours of him forcing his way out of the club and refusing to play another game for the Lilywhites as soon as Wrexham’s interest became apparent. 

The midfielder left Lancashire for the Welsh riches in the summer for a reported fee of £3m, a move that would’ve been justified in the eyes of the fans if not for the documented manners.

Speaking to CBS after his win, Whiteman justified his celebration, “The Preston fans were on me all game, it’s part and parcel of the game and I actually really enjoyed it.

“And when I scored, I gave it them back.

“So yeah, it’s part and parcel so you just have to get on with it,” the 30-year old said with a slight grin. 

The celebration was met with nothing by his former teammates, not even during the aftermath. 

No tackles, no words, it seemed that they just accepted it and rolled over, resulting in criticism for the lack of leaders and character in the dressing room. 

What followed was a completely catastrophic display, two further cheap goals conceded and another heavy defeat in a week. 

Eight goals conceded in their last two alone, one win in 11, nine defeats on that run, and rooted firmly to the bottom of the league. 

West Brom awaits North End this Saturday in another clash against a top side.