'I didn't want' - Alan Browne quizzed on leaving Preston North End for Sunderland

Stepping out of his ‘comfort zone’ was the motivation behind Alan Browne’s move to Sunderland this summer.

The Irishman’s ten-and-a-half year stay at Preston North End came to an end, with Browne opting against signing a new contract at Deepdale. He put pen-to-paper on a three-year contract at the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland becoming the second club of Browne’s senior career.

As well as conversations with new manager Régis Le Bris, the chance to try something new - at one of the biggest clubs in England - greatly appealed to Browne. He has opened up on his switch to the Black Cats, with our sister-title the Sunderland Echo.

He said: “It was more the thought of the change that was the hard part, to be honest. All the what ifs. But, I've settled in from day one - really good people across the club, which just makes it that bit easier for me. I'd been at Preston for so long that I'd almost become part of the furniture, so it was a big decision and a big move - but one so far that I'm happy with.

“Ten years is a long time and while you're settled, comfortable, I didn't want it to become too easy. I've never taken the gamble of leaving. I've always been happy at Preston and so I've never ever really even batted an eyelid at any interest. I felt I needed to step out of my comfort zone, take on a new challenge and see if I can help get this team promoted.

“When you start anywhere, I think you want to get off to a good start and it’s the same here. I think when you’re at a club for so long, fans have this perception. I loved my time at Preston, and I think most of the fans liked me. But when things are going bad, the longer you’re there, the more blame you get.

“Whereas, when you come to a new place, it’s important to get a new start because that’s what you’ll be judged on and not anything from past years or experiences. It’s a new start, a fresh start and fresh opinions. It’s exciting for me to see how well I can do and hopefully fans can take to me quite quickly.”

On his chat with Le Bris, Browne added: “I met him before I signed, I think the club were in touch before he was actually appointed but I did want to wait until the coach came in because you don’t want to end up somewhere where the coach doesn’t like you or you don’t like the coach.

“I thought it was important to get that conversation in early doors and make sure it wasn’t just a club signing, it was a coach’s signing as well. We had quite a lengthy conversation about his style of play, what he expects from me and what I can expect from him. He’s shown that so far. It’s been really good and quite intense. He’s made sure the boys are at it in training.”