Kovacs and Jamie Clarke have left Sincil Bank after having their contracts cancelled, while Richard Butcher, Aaron Brown and Sam Clucas remain on the transfer list.

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Linganzi, meanwhile, moved to Deepdale on the recommendation of former Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce after a discussion with current Preston manager Phil Brown.

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The Giants were down to 12 men when Wigan old boy Kevin Brown was sin-binned for tugging back Sam Tomkins, who remained in support after setting Richards away.

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"The manager, Sam Allardyce, has already had a conversation with Gary, " Brown added.

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Their defence, anchored by middle-linebacker Sam Huff, closed down Cleveland's star runner, Jim Brown, (the future Hollywood actor) who recorded the worst performance of his career.

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"It's a decision I respect as it's for family reasons, " added Brown, who also had Pedersen under his command in his days as number two to Sam Allardyce at Bolton.

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