PNE's positive image paying off

The Lilywhites completed the signings of Ben Pringle and Callum Robinson yesterday, taking the number of signings up to seven – six permanent and Simon Makienok on loan.

Pringle signed from Fulham, with Robinson ending his long association with Aston Villa to join, both of them penning three-year contracts.

Deepdale boss Grayson is pleased with the business which has been done as he prepares for the task of building on last term’s 11th-placed finish.

Grayson said: “We are a better proposition and attraction given what we did last season.

“It is testament to what was done last season when you speak to the new players and they refer back to how well we did as a team, how hard we were to break down and how good we were in some games.

“That can only help attract better players because word of mouth in football plays a significant part – players talk to each other a lot.

“Suddenly they fancy the idea of coming here and that is a really positive thing.

“This club is progressing all the time, it is 
debt-free and a good environment to be in.

“Players enjoy being here and that is certainly a big help to us.”

Of the seven summer signings, six have played at this level before – goalkeeper Chris Maxwell is the exception.

Three have come back on permanent deals after being on loan before – Robinson joining Anders Lindegaard and Eoin Doyle in coming back to Lancashire as fully-fledged Preston players.

Said Grayson: “All the squad will be better for the experience of playing in the Championship last season.

“We have added new lads to the squad who are the right sorts and will settle into the group quickly.

“Our squad is very good at welcoming new players and making them feel a big part of it here.”

Robinson should certainly not take long to settle, with the 21-year-old signing up for a fourth time.

He spent three loan spells with the Lilywhites over the last two seasons, making 43 appearances and scoring seven goals.

North End have paid a youth compensation package to Villa, his age meaning they were entitled to a fee despite him being out of contract.

Pringle’s arrival is one which seems to have caught the eye of PNE supporters.

His range of passing and crossing will be a positive addition to the squad.

Said Grayson: “Ben will give us something different.

“He has got a great left foot, he can see the pass, he’s got a great delivery and can play either side or centrally.

“Ben is a busy, bright player who is delighted to come here and we are delighted to have him with us.”