There was drama at Deepdale on the deadline day of the transfer window, with Phil Brown bringing in his first permanent signing, while also adding another on loan on the stroke of the deadline.
AdvertisementBrown was reuinted with Ian Ashbee, a player he managed during his time as Hull manager, and drafted in Fulham striker Eddie Johnson for the remainder of the season.
The signings will boost Brown’s hopes of keeping the Lilywhites in the Championship, adding to earlier signings Iain Hume, Leon Cort, Nathan Ellington, Amine Linganzi and Leon Clarke.
Preston boss Phil Brown said signing Ashbee was a no-brainer: “I know Ian very well. I’ve had four great years with Ash. The first time we actually met each other, Hull were actually 24th out of 24th in the Championship, and four years later we find ourselves with a similar challenge.
“When you talk to players, or agents in the transfer window you can tell within the first four or five seconds whether they’re up to the challenge. I didn’t need to do that with Ash, I knew straight away,” Brown added.
Loan-signing Eddie Johnson, who Fulham paid £3million for back in January 2008, said he was delighted to be signing for North End.
“There is a lot of history behind the Club and I think they are in a false position right now in the league. I am looking forward to being a part of their tremendous comeback to get themselves up the table where they should be,” Johnson said.
Eddie, 26, is hoping to make a big impression during his time with the club, and said he was pleased when he heard of the interest: “I contacted my agent to make sure it was something that could happen and now I am looking forward to it. I just think that it is important that the fans stay behind the team – I know Preston are a big club and have a good team.”
Both Ashbee and Johnson will be available for Tuesday’s away trip to Barnsley.
Relive the action on deadline day, on our live-blog below:
What do you make of Preston’s signings? Will they be enough to keep North End in the Championship? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.