Josh Bowler names the Preston North End star and fellow ex-Blackpool man he's buzzing to play with

New Preston North End signing Josh Bowler is particularly pleased to be team mates with one player.

The 25-year-old made the switch to Deepdale on transfer deadline day. He has signed for PNE on a season-long loan deal from Nottingham Forest, but Bowler could become a North End player permanently next summer - should Preston trigger their option-to-buy. That is something Bowler has already implied he’d like to make happen, though it is early days.

For now, he’s in a hugely positive mood and optimistic about what the 2024/25 campaign could hold for him and the team. The dressing room certainly made a strong first impression on the ex-Blackpool man - who is excited to now be on the same side as Preston’s number 44.

When asked who he’s excited to play with, Bowler said: “I mean, there is a lot. Obviously, Brad Potts. He has done the same journey as me. He will be on my side now. We’ve spoken about our experiences, because we’ve obviously got that in common. So yeah, I am looking forward to playing with him.

“Every time I’ve played against him, he’s always been like a horse up and down the right - who doesn’t stop. He’s powerful, can be a threat and I have always thought he’d be a great player to play with. He can help you out defensively and take players off you when he runs round you, so he’s definitely one I’m looking forward to playing with yeah.”

As for Bowler’s role in the team, the number 40 is not focusing too much on a set position. The main positive for him is that Heckingbottom has made it clear he will give Bowler the licence to express himself, in a Preston shirt. That faith is something the loan man is looking to repay, and he can’t wait to get going this weekend.

“Yeah, obviously right wing is my predominant position,” said Bowler. “But, I love playing down the middle and I can pop up on the left. As wingers now, it is fluidity and freedom - like the gaffer has said. So, if you start on the right you can come inside and do your damage in the middle. Wherever the gaffer plays me or tells me to go, is what I will do. But, yeah, he’s really emphasising that freedom.

“I always say the hardest part of football is putting the ball in the back of the net, especially the type of goals I like to score. It’s really difficult, so sometimes it doesn’t come off or look great. But, I am never going to stop trying to do that. I am an exciting player and that’s what I am always going to try to do. And I am a confidence player, so when my confidence is up - as it is at the moment - it puts me in good stead to recreate those moments.”