PNE boss Grayson wants new faces sorted quickly

Simon Grayson says he wants to bring new players to Deepdale sooner rather than later.
Preston boss Simon Grayson.Preston boss Simon Grayson.
Preston boss Simon Grayson.

The Preston North End boss insisted after last night’s 2-0 second round EFL Cup win over Oldham Athletic that he hopes deals can be tied up quickly, rather than things dragging onto next Wednesday’s transfer deadline day.

A right-back, after Callum Woods’ injury, and a forward player, following Joe Garner’s departure to Rangers, are on the shopping list with Grayson joking that he hoped to be able to keep plans made for his usual day off next week.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: “I don’t want to be messing around on my day off next Wednesday with players.

“I want to make sure that we’ve got them in, I’ve got something arranged for next Wednesday! There’s been talks with a couple of clubs over the last 48 hours or so.

“I think the money’s just landed in the bank from Joe or part of it has so that does help as well.

“We’re just waiting on clubs to give the go ahead and we’re making sure that the decision that we make is the right thing to do.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We’ve got one or two things up our sleeve that will hopefully materialise very quickly.”

Two players staked their claims to fill the void left by Garner against Oldham, with Eoin Doyle opening the scoring before turning provider for Jordan Hugill.

Grayson said: “You saw the sort of desire you get from Eoin Doyle when he came on.

“Even though it’s (his 66th-minute goal) trickled in he’s in there and twisting and turning and then his pure desire set Jordan up for a well-deserved finish.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I thought Jordan was a handful tonight and showed what he’s capable of doing too.”

Grayson made six changes for the game with Chris Maxwell handed a debut in goal and Simon Makienok getting a first start up front.

Jermaine Beckford, Bailey Wright, Paul Gallagher and Anders Lindegaard were not involved due to knocks.

The PNE boss said: “We made the changes but most of them were enforced.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Most of those lads picked up injuries and if it had been a league game we would probably have been without all of them.

“I was going to make a few changes anyway but my hand was forced a little bit tonight.”

The victory sets up a possible third round tie against one of the Premier League big boys with North End fans sure to have a keen eye on tonight’s draw.

Grayson said: “Someone upstairs has said they want Arsenal away where you’re guaranteed a million pounds.

“To be fair I’ll take that because it might just liven up the transfer window from now until next week.

“What will be will be and it’s just nice to be in the hat and we’ll just see what we get.”