Preston's Republic of Ireland ace Alan Browne happy to do the business on and off the pitch

Alan Browne, in training at Springfields this week, has signed a new contract with Preston

Paul Huntington extends Preston contract

Midfielder Browne put pen to paper on a deal which takes him through to June 2021.

He had two years left on his previous contract but the new terms represent a 12-month extension on that.

It is the fifth new contract he has signed since arriving at Deepdale from Cork City in January 2014.

Browne is something of a rare breed in football in that he does not use an agent.

Last season’s double player of the year winner negotiated this deal with North End over the summer, finalising it since returning for pre-season last week.

He was given an extra few days’ holiday after playing for the Republic of Ireland at the end of last term.

Browne told the Post: “I had an agent when I first came to Preston as a kid, just to get it all done.

“Once that was done, I felt I was with a club where I was happy and could clearly see the progression.

“I thought then I didn’t want to be at any other club so I didn’t see the need for an agent.

“This club has rewarded me as I have gone along and that is testament to them.

“I don’t find it awkward when I’m in negotiations.

“It is business when we are in the room talking but after, it is back to football.

“I negotiate with Peter Ridsdale, while the gaffer has talked to me too.

“It’s good to hear what they say and their views on things.

“When you are negotiating, things go back and forth a bit before you get an agreement.

“I’m happy with what has been said to me and the deal we have agreed.”

Browne saw last season as his best so far in a PNE shirt.

He made 40 starts and nine appearances from the bench, scoring nine goals.

That goals return was good going, bearing in mind he had only managed seven before last term.

Said Browne: “I think I have progressed every year here, no more so than last season.

“Hopefully I can keep on doing that and help the club.”

Browne is the latest in a line of PNE players to sign new deals in recent weeks.

Paul Huntington agreed a new three-year contract on Tuesday, the defender having entered the last 12 months of his previous deal.

During the close season, Darnell Fisher, Tom Clarke, Sean Maguire, Paul Gallagher and Mathew Hudson penned new deals.

North End’s aim is to get the majority of the squad on deals of two years or more.

Negotiations continue with Daniel Johnson, who is in the final year of his deal.