Chris Beech has challenged promising defender Jack Armer to make Preston regret letting him go.

The young left-back is preparing for a second season with Carlisle United after making an impressive first-team breakthrough in 2020/21.

Armer, 20, joined the Blues after being released by Preston last summer and he went on to make 28 United appearances, scoring his first professional goal against Barrow.

The campaign saw Armer oust skipper Nick Anderton from the left-back role, while the young defender also deputised at right-back during the season.

United activated an option in his deal to ensure he would be with the Cumbrians for the 2021/2 season.

And Beech said Armer, who hails from Lostock Hall near Preston, could go on to show the Championship club what they are missing.

“Jack came to us from Preston and I said when we signed him that I feel he’s one of the young players that could consider himself hard done by in being allowed to leave,” Beech said on the Blues' website.

“He could become one that Preston might wish they’d kept.

“He’s had a tremendous first season with us, breaking through the way he has. He’s played right back, left back, and he never complains.

"He always gives it everything and his attitude is spot on.

“He has all the attributes to go further and he’s another I'm looking forward to see progressing next year.”

Armer is one of a number of players to extend their deals in recent weeks.

United also activated options in the contracts of Callum Guy, Joe Riley, Lewis Alessandra, Aaron Hayden, Taylor Charters, Josh Dixon and Gime Toure.

The Blues have since offered new deals to Anderton, Paul Farman, Omari Patrick, Offrande Zanzala, Rhys Bennett and Morgan Feeney.