'I just feel' - Aston Villa man highlights two big positives from Preston North End spell so far

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Aston Villa defender is on loan at PNE for the season

On-loan Preston North End defender Kaine Kesler-Hayden has felt firmly at home so far.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Lilywhites made the versatile full-back their third signing of the summer transfer window, with him returning to the Championship for a third loan spell. Kesler-Hayden already had experience in the division, with Plymouth Argyle and Huddersfield Town.

He has started three games in all competitions and been substituted on in a further four. Manager Paul Heckingbottom is not the one who signed him, but minutes have kept coming Kesler-Hayden’s way. The 21-year-old has felt nothing but warmth from the whole club - and enjoys his relationship with the North End faithful, both on match day and social media.

"Yeah, it was really, really easy, especially with the lads and how the fans have treated me when I've come out and played,” said Kesler-Hayden. “The reception has been really good and I just feel welcomed, so it's pretty much been smooth sailing and easy for me to settle in.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I think it's good to have that connection. Obviously, fans want to see what's happening with their clubs and stuff like that. They want to hear from their players first hand, about games and opinions. So, I think it is good to always have that connection with the fans and long may it continue.”

Kesler-Hayden has been used in a variety of roles so far and, arguably, his stand out performance for PNE came in the Carabao Cup win over Fulham. The defender missed in the penalty shoot-out, but excelled in the 90 minutes at Deepdale. That was exactly the kind of experience he came to North End to gain.

"Good, I enjoyed it,” said Kesler-Hayden. “I think, playing against Premier League players, you can only put yourself up against the best to judge where you are at and if you’ve improved. It's big and for me, that is obviously where I’d like to be in the future. Playing against them and having a result was a good thing.”

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.