PNE sign striker Doyle

The Irishman has joined from Cardiff City for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year contract.

He is PNE’s fourth summer signing, following on from Chris Maxwell, Simon Makienok and Tommy Spurr.

Doyle said: “When I heard this was possibly happening, I jumped straight in the car to drive up from Cardiff to get it done.

“The gaffer had told me at the end of last season that he was keen to get me back.

“I really enjoyed it here when I was on loan, not many people expected us to do as well as we did.

“But I was disappointed with my return in front of goal, as any striker would be.

“So I’m grateful to get this second chance and the plan is for me to score a lot more.

“Coming here, I won’t feel like the new lad, I know all the lads and staff and how the place operates.”

Doyle made 16 starts and 13 appearances from the bench for PNE after joining on loan last September.

He scored four goals, against Nottingham Forest, Rotherham, Bolton and Queens Park Rangers.

The 28-year-old started his career in Ireland with Sligo Rovers before joining Scottish club Hibernian.

An 18-month stay at Chesterfield saw him score 38 goals, that earning him a £850,000 switch to Cardiff in February 2015.

North End manager Simon Grayson said: “We know Eoin really well from last season, he’s a player we’ve always liked and we’ve seen lots of him that’s shown what he is capable of doing.

“We are delighted that he’s signed, I think it will bring added competition.

“I don’t think people have seen the best of him yet, but I’m confident that he’s got the ability to make things happen for us so I’m really pleased.”

Doyle will join his Preston team-mates for the start of pre-season training at Springfields on Thursday morning.