Alfie Devine gives verdict on Preston North End's summer signings

Alfie Devine believes Preston North End's summer signings have made a 'massive improvement' on the squad, but it will take time for it all to come together.

Preston spent by far the most they ever have in a single transfer window this past summer, with five of their six most expensive players ever coming in July and August.

Devine was the pick of the bunch after he was signed permanently following last season's successful loan spell for about £6m, becoming the club's record signing by nearly tripling the previous record.

Harry Clarke, Leo Leroy, Stanley Mills and Johnny Kenny were all recruited for significant fees as well.

The uncharacteristically heavy spending has not translated to positive results on the pitch yet, with North End only having four points to their name.

Yet, Devine has still been impressed by the business, including the loan signings of Caleb Wiley, Delano Burgzorg, Jusef Erabi and Liam Gibbs.

Devine buzzing with Preston’s summer signings

"I think the deals that we've done in the summer bringing in the permanent players and the loan players, I think's very good," he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"You see the money we spent and I think there's a reason why.

"The players we brought in are really, really good players and make a massive improvement to our squad."

However, Devine did say there were challenges for players arriving at a new club.

He continued: "It is also hard for some people coming in.

"I was lucky that I was here last year, so I knew all the staff at the start and the players, but it's also tough coming into an environment, being welcomed good and then the season doesn't start great.

"It's about the new boys coming in making them feel the team spirit we have. They've done that, and they want the same thing as us."

"The results will come"

It's not only an influx of players North End have had, but a change in manager, with Graham Alexander returning to Deepdale to replace Paul Heckingbottom.

It hasn't been a great start for the returning hero, with three defeats out of three so far and nine goals conceded.

Yet, Devine remains confident things will turn around.

"Some things come quick, some things don't," he replied when asked if it takes time to learn exactly how the new boss wants to play.

"Everyone's buying into what the gaffer's doing. Every day in training we're buying into new things, a new way of doing stuff.

"It's just about sticking to that and eventually the results will come."

When asked if the players struggle when they go behind in games, Devine added: "I wouldn't say there's a feeling on the pitch about it.

"I think it's just something us as players we need to get together as a group, so actually, when we're on the pitch because you can coach it as much as you want, but I think there's eleven of us out there that need to get better at that.

"I think once we start getting the first goal, I think you'll see a massive difference in us."