Stuart McCall and Paul Heckingbottomplaceholder image
Stuart McCall and Paul Heckingbottom | CameraSport - Alex Dodd
PNE made two signings on the final day of the transfer window
It went down to the wire but Preston North End got what they wanted from transfer deadline day, with two signings made in Andrew Moran and Callum Lang. There were fears that the Lilywhites would let a crucial month pass them by but, in the final five days of the window, Paul Heckingbottom’s attack was finally bolstered. So, what to make of it on the whole?
PNE’s boss was about as open, vocal and honest as you are likely to get during a window. He will not discuss names but makes his feelings well known - ‘criminal’, the word he used for what it’d be should Preston come out of the window weaker. Having guided North End into the top four at the beginning of January, a poor month would’ve been unforgivable in the eyes of most supporters.
As written abouton deadline day, eggs were kept in the Harrison Armstrong basket for as long as possible but David Moyes, in the end, looked to be ruled by head over heart. The wait for Armstrong was understandable given his talent but North End simply had to react to that blow. A deal for Andrew Moran was swiftly agreed, with the permanent acquisition of the Irishman representing a smart, likable piece of business.
Question marks may, understandably, be raised about Moran’s profile being different to Armstrong. There is truth in that, with Armstrong probably suited to operating deeper and Moran more of creative, attacking midfielder. But, Heckingbottom had challenged the Everton man to push forward and there is an argument to say North End were never going to find another Armstrong.
Another factor, mind, is Stefan Thordarson’s exit. On the whole, then, PNE do feel lighter in central midfield but the manager isn’t short of options. Ben Whiteman has started every game when available. Him, Alfie Devine, Ali McCann, Jordan Thompson and Moran will likely compete for three spots each match. Perhaps, on occasion, four but Brad Potts and Robbie Brady may come into that equation when fit.
Injuries will need to be avoided, for sure. Which brings us on to the signing of Callum Lang from Portsmouth, for a ‘club record fee’. The transfer saga dragged on and on but PNE got their man and it is a massive bid of faith from the club. North End will look to utilise Lang centrally and, after an injury-hit year, it’s absolutely essential the 27-year-old is managed properly.
If so, he has proven himself to be a big threat at the level. The hope will be that Lang, over the next couple of years, can become a major influence in Preston’s attack. There will be an expectation for that to be the case, given the transfer fee and lengthy contract; Lang comes across as a character who will relish that. As a player, there was barely a bad word said by the Pompey faithful.
As is often the case, time will ultimately tell us how successful the window was. Lukovic is an unknown entity at this stage; Moran’s previous Championship loans offer genuine encouragement. One of the most positive things from deadline day is that North End signed two players of their own. Lewis Dobbin, Alfie Devine and Daniel Jebbison’s loans expire this summer and there is uncertainty around Milutin Osmajic’s future.
With Mads Frokjaer having been sold to Brondby, too, Heckingbottom’s attack could’ve looked utterly bare come the summer. Of course, PNE will now gear up for a tilt at the play-offs and you cannot rule it out. But Preston may very well be in the second tier again next season and if so, Moran and Lang will be there on day one of pre-season, ready to get down to work.
Three in and four out, then. Undoubtedly, the Armstrong situation strips some positivity away from the overall feel. But, what a bonus and pleasure it was to see him in a North End shirt at all. He wasn’t half needed, too, with the injuries to Thompson, McCann and Potts in the first half of the season. That aside it’s feasible that Lukovic/Lang/Moran for Keane/Frokjaer/Thordarson will represent improvement for PNE.
That is no slight against any of the three to leave Deepdale. All three were talented players and by no means poor for Preston. In Keane’s case, he moves on to the next stage of his career in the EFL. With Frokjaer and Thordarson, the ability was obvious but question marks always remained as to whether the Championship and North End were ideal fits for them.
The sales of those two represent a step in the right direction, too. In previous years the pair might’ve stuck around for longer and perhaps even left on free transfers. North End can be content with recouping most of the combined money paid and in both cases, they move on at sensible times. Sentiment can be dangerous in football but Preston appear to have a manager who parks it with ease.
And so, the Lilywhites head into a massive month of matches. Right now, the January window does not seem a roaring success nor major disappointment. There is reason to be both optimistic and pessimistic. Football will always lean towards the latter but PNE traded, spent some money and added in attack - with an eye cast to the future. In a month associated with chaos, it feels a steady effort.
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