Preston North End boss on potential for further transfer activity after Brentford and Plymouth deals
PNE have signed two players in the January transfer window
Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom says it’s possible that the Lilywhites’ incoming business is done this month.
The Lilywhites confirmed their second signing of the transfer window on Thursday afternoon, with Brentford startet Jayden Meghoma arriving on loan for the rest of the season. Plymouth Argyle centre-back Lewis Gibson became Preston’s first recruit just three days into the new year.
Heckingbottom is pleased with both pieces of business for different reasons, with Gibson someone he sees being a key part of the XI over the next few years - and Meghoma an extremely highly rated talent capable of having a big impact in the final 20 matches of the season. As for more transfer activity, the PNE boss hasn’t ruled it out but isn’t necessarily expecting it.
“I'd love there to be (more business to do), but probably not,” said Heckingbottom. “We had issues when we had the suspensions and injuries to the lads at the top. It meant we lacked options, both to start a game and then from the bench. We've got those back now which is great. Then we've had issues at wing-back - particularly on the left-hand side or when Hughesy has gone down.
“So, we've sort of covered those off now. With Jeppe (Okkels) going out on loan and the familiarity of the shape to the players who are in the squad, it's made sense to go down that route. Now we've got, through making two signings, a lot more balance to that area of the pitch, which is great. We'd love to do more, but if we don't it doesn't matter. Always trying, always trying.
“But these two were the, you know, if you'd have asked me before the window, these two things would have been top of the list. But you've always got to try because you never know what might pop up. While I'm speaking here about us and we're satisfied, there's a lot of other teams who aren't and who will be trying to manipulate their squads to the better. And that may involve some of our players. We don't know that yet, so you have to be ready for it at any point.”
“We’re really pleased with what we’ve done.”
The PNE boss has made his feelings on transfer windows well known - Heckingbottom is not fond of them and will be glad to see the back of this one. With that in mind though, having two priority additions signed up half-way through the month is a big plus.
“Yes, we're really pleased with what we've done,” said Heckingbottom. “Lewis is a different type of signing. He has a good profile for us age-wise, his personality, the qualities he brings as a footballer as well. So for him to be our player for the long term is great.
“Then this one, it's a great opportunity for Jayden - we're going to try and get the best out of him while he's here. He's coming here for a reason... to improve, to help us. And it helps us get that balance right down that left-hand side as well.”
With regards to outgoing activity Jeppe Okkels and Layton Stewart have been loaned out to Aberdeen and FC Thun, respectively. The Preston boss has spoken about getting more PNE players moves this month but confirmed on Thursday that nothing is ‘imminent’ on that front.