Preston North End youngster grateful to Chorley as long-term ambition made clear
The PNE youngster spend last season on loan with the Magpies
Preston North End youngster Max Wilson is grateful to Chorley for his recent loan spell.
The 19-year-old is on a professional contract at Deepdale until 2027 and went out on his second loan in November of last year.
Having had a brief stint in Ireland with Galway United, the box-to-box midfielder got much more game time at Chorley.
In total, the Northern Ireland youth international made 26 starts in the National League North and one further substitute appearance.
Wilson racked up 2,299 minutes of football and scored a couple of goals for the club, who finished the season in 15th spot.
He was full of credit for how Chorley’s players and manager, Andy Preece, welcomed him into the group.
"Preecey's been really good with me,” Wilson told PNE’s media team. “He trusted me, which is a really big thing for a young player.
“He allowed me to showcase what I can do on the pitch. Loans are key to try and prove to the manager you are capable of playing men's football.
“Chorley, it is my hometown and it means a lot. I have watched them since I was young and watched them get promoted.”
Wilson has been an unused substitute in the Championship on three occasions. Having been at PNE since a boy, a first team debut is the dream.
He added: “I think trust is probably one of the big things so I am just trying to earn that, get more experience with loans, or training with the first team and learning off the players.
“I would love to play for North End. I have been here since I was nine years old. I think I have just got to take it step-by-step and not look too far ahead."
After Wilson made the move to the Galway, Paul Heckingbottom said: “Max is a player highly regarded within our Academy system. His ability and physicality for his age is clear to see.