Jack Walton's last senior game for Preston was a 5-0 defeat by Middlesbrough
Published April 15, 2026 • Source: bbc.com
Cambridge United have signed Preston North End goalkeeper Jack Walton on an emergency loan deal.
First choice Jake Eastwood is suspended for Wednesday's game at League Two leaders Bromley after being sent off in their 4-0 win over Notts County for handling the ball outside the penalty area.
Ben Hughes was sent on for his league debut as a replacement, having previously played in four Vertu Trophy games.
"Jakes being sent off wasn't ideal for anybody, but in the heat of the moment these things happen, we understand that, especially at this stage of the season when emotions are high and you have to make marginal decisions on the spot," boss Neil Harris told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.
"Ben came on and was outstanding, but to ask him to go again in such a pivotal game would have been a really big ask and a huge gamble, so we decided to go down the route of seeing what options were available to us."
Walton, 27, has made five appearances for Preston this season after joining last summer, but none since January.
He began his career at Barnsley and played more than 70 games for Dundee United during a two-season loan spell in Scotland.
"We have some excellent references on him and the lad was so excited and desperate to come and play, and he's got the character and the mindset to do it, which is a strong starting point," said Harris.
Cambridge are currently third in the table with four games left as they seek an immediate return to League One following last season's relegation.