Darnell's PNE mission

Alex Neil is looking to bring the best out of Darnell Fisher after making the right-back his first Preston signing.
Darnell Fisher up against Aiden McGeady last seasonDarnell Fisher up against Aiden McGeady last season
Darnell Fisher up against Aiden McGeady last season

The 23-year-old arrived at Deepdale yesterday, joining for an undisclosed fee from Rotherham United.

After being relegated with the Millers last season, this is a swift Championship return for Fisher and in Neil’s words, a chance to ‘find his way in his career’.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Neil has been keen to bring in defensive reinforcements after assessing the squad he inherited over the last three weeks.

Right-back was an area he identified as needing attention, despite the presence of Calum Woods and Marnick Vermijl.

Woods missed all of last season after having surgery to repair torn knee ligaments .

While on the comeback trail, he suffered a slight groin strain during the training camp at Fota Island and had yet to feature in pre-season.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Neil has rotated Vermijl and Liam Grimshaw in the right-back slot but Grimshaw is not a natural fit there or a long-term option.

Darnell Fisher has joined North End from Rotherham (photo: PNE)Darnell Fisher has joined North End from Rotherham (photo: PNE)
Darnell Fisher has joined North End from Rotherham (photo: PNE)

“He’s perfect in the fact that he wants to try and find his way in his career,” said Neil after Fisher put pen to paper on a three-year contract.

“Darnell is a determined lad, he’s come through Celtic’s ranks and so he’s used to high standards.

“He has had experience there, which I think will help him.

“I think we needed a few more bodies in defensive 
areas and Darnell will fit in perfectly for us. I think it’s a great bit of business.”

Darnell Fisher has joined North End from Rotherham (photo: PNE)Darnell Fisher has joined North End from Rotherham (photo: PNE)
Darnell Fisher has joined North End from Rotherham (photo: PNE)
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Fisher arrived in Preston in time to feature on the official team photograph.

The Berkshire-born player said: “I spoke to the manager and he really sold me the club.

“Everything he said to me about the club was positive and he’s going to add to it – hopefully we can do well.

“He has said he’s going to make me a better player and hopefully I can be a better player under his guidance.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It was all very quick, I got the call on Tuesday and we managed to get it all done by yesterday.”

Fisher is the fifth player in the Deepdale arrivals lounge this summer.

Moves for Declan Rudd, Josh Harrop, Sean Maguire and Kevin O’Connor were all completed before the exit of Simon Grayson.

Irish pair Maguire and O’Connor only met up with the squad on Monday, both making their debuts against Burnley the following day.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Fisher is likely to get his first PNE run-out in Friday night’s visit to Fleetwood.

He started his career with Celtic, making 21 appearances for the Glasgow club.

After a loan spell with St Johnstone, Fisher moved to Rotherham last summer.