Preston 'keeper Chris Maxwell hails influence of Alan Kelly after starring in Leeds draw

Chris Maxwell hailed the influence of departed goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly after starring in Preston's draw at Leeds.
Chris Maxwell was in fine form in PNE's 0-0 draw at Leeds.Chris Maxwell was in fine form in PNE's 0-0 draw at Leeds.
Chris Maxwell was in fine form in PNE's 0-0 draw at Leeds.

The North End ‘keeper pulled off a string of fine saves as the 10-man Lilywhites held on for a 0-0 draw after Ben Pearson’s red card.

Having moved from Fleetwood in the summer of 2016, Maxwell quickly grabbed the gloves and established himself as PNE’s number one under Kelly’s guidance.

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The Deepdale stalwart announced his departure on Thursday having been associated with the club as man and boy through his father, Alan Kelly Snr.

“It was his decision, he’s explained to me why so it’s one of those things, people move on,” said Maxwell.

“Kells is such a massive influence on my career.

Maxwell with recently departed goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly.Maxwell with recently departed goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly.
Maxwell with recently departed goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly.

“He had a massive influence in bringing me to the club, he improved me no end throughout the whole of last season and also it was his influence that gave me the chance to perform in the Championship.

“He’s become a very good friend of mine and I’ll always keep in contact with him because somebody like Alan Kelly doesn’t come around too often.

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“He’s so educated in the footballing world, he’s so experienced and for him to pass that down to myself, Mat Hudson, Callum Roberts and others is brilliant.”

With PNE under the cosh late on at Elland Road Maxwell was at his best, denying Chris Wood one-on-one before a fine double save from Stuart Dallas and Pablo Hernandez kept the fancied hosts at bay.

Chris Maxwell denied Chris Wood late on at Elland Road.Chris Maxwell denied Chris Wood late on at Elland Road.
Chris Maxwell denied Chris Wood late on at Elland Road.

"It is always nice to do my bit,” he said.

"You make saves like that and it is a feel-good factor, it is great to contribute to the team.

"Sometimes as a keeper you are not in the game too much or involved much, that was the case last week against Sheffield Wednesday.

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"It is great to contribute and come away with a clean sheet.”

Maxwell with recently departed goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly.Maxwell with recently departed goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly.
Maxwell with recently departed goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly.

Maxwell was also keen to credit the efforts of the players in front of him, North End having been the better side before Pearson’s first red card of his career for two bookable offences.

“I’ve got the faith in the boys in front of me and the ones coming off the bench,” he said.

“Everybody gets stuck in and plays for each other.

“We’ve got that in abundance in our group and it’s something that’s very precious to us.

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“There won’t be many teams that come here and get a point and certainly not dominate the game for 60 minutes.”