All of the rumours were finally put to rest as the lengthy and difficult January transfer window closed on Monday night, and the realities were visible.
Three new players were signed by Preston North End, while four players, including Harrison Armstrong, left the team.
Only time will tell on whether the squad is left in a better shape, but two significant permanent signings show good intent for the future, whilst a few tough decisions had to be made elsewhere.
Departures
Mads Frøkjær
There’s not many players who it would be gut wrenching to see leave after just two-and-a-half-years at the club but this one hurt. I particularly enjoyed George Hodgson’s piece for the LEP on his departure, capturing the moment perfectly.
Frøkjær arrived at the club as an unknown 23-year-old who we all hoped could gives us that class in the final third. Whilst the Danish game is obviously very different to the Championship, it was easy to see quickly the talent Mads had.
He played the game at a different pace to those around him, sometimes for better sometimes for worse. The weight of his pass could be perfect at times, but perhaps not read at all by his teammates.
He announced himself at Deepdale on his home debut, scoring the winner against Sunderland in memorable style. He quickly became a fan favourite, and you felt we would always have a better chance with Mads on the field. The management and tactics of Ryan Lowe perhaps didn’t give Frøkjær the best of chances but he could still have a huge effect on games.
We saw the best of him away against Coventry City two years ago this month. Fantastic pressing and passing causing the Sky Blues defence problems all night long in a 3-0 win. It was a shame we didn’t see that often enough, but it did feel as if he was never given a consistent amount of games in the side.
He lacked confidence at points to take the game by the scruff of it’s neck, which he felt on the verge of in moments, and should have taken more shots at goal. He probably should have scored and given Preston the lead in the FA Cup Quarter Final against Aston Villa last season. Oh how that could have changed things.
His laid back style on the pitch was certainly reflected off it. A far cry from the typical footballer you expect these days. His holidays weren’t to Dubai, but instead trips to Puglia, or back to Denmark or enjoying the hipster Ancoats area in Manchester where he lived. Reading on balconies with some nice food and wine as company were his ways of winding down off the pitch.
You cannot begrudge the midfielder a move to Brondby, a stones throw away from where he grew up. Especially in a season where he has been outshone by Alfie Devine and Lewis Dobbin, but still had moments to celebrate at Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday. He will go with Preston fan’s best wishes, but also a thought of what could have been from his North End career. There were touches of elegance and class in a Lilywhite shirt and I have no doubt he will bring those back to the Danish game once again.
Harrison Armstrong
We waited. We hoped. But deep down we knew. As soon as Armstrong returned to Everton and was thrown straight into the first team, he was going to show what he was capable of, and it would have been silly of David Moyes to send him back to Preston.
The boy is class. He’s only just turned 19 years old, and he has been a huge influence on the last few matches for The Toffees. It’s a shame we couldn’t have had him for a bit longer, and it is highly unlikely we could even find anyone to match his capabilities to come in as a likely replacement.
The energy and composure he has makes him a joy to watch. The fact he became such an important part of our midfield among the likes of Ali McCann and Ben Whiteman says a lot. He’s already been a big miss, but I look forward to watching his career develop, and I imagine international honours will arrive in the future.
Stefan Thordarson
Thor had a mixed first season with the club. His goals obviously being a standout, coming at key times, but the way he scored them as well, underlined his endeavour, strength and technical abilities. The winner against Portsmouth last March; great control to bring the ball down before finding the back of the net from the byline pretty much.
The arrival of Armstrong did not help Thordarson, but he was a valuable squad asset still. It would take time to adapt to the English game, but the Championship takes no prisoners. When a good offer comes in and an opportunity presents itself like Hannover, then it can make sense for all parties.
Far from being someone who was pushed out the door, it felt like a sensible move, and allowed Paul Heckingbottom more flexibility to bring in his own men.
Will Keane
A great first season back at the club scoring 13 goals for North End. Would often find himself in the right place at the right time, as a striker should. When the going got tough however, he could go missing. Injuries did not help his cause in the last year or so.
But goals against Stoke City away to send us top, Burnley in the FA Cup and more recently the late equaliser against Norwich City will live long in the memory. Always played with a smile on the face, and you could tell he appreciated playing for this club.
He’s already found the goals at Reading, and this loan to take him up to the end of his contract with us felt inevitable.
Arrivals
Milos Lukovic
The first signing took it’s time and then arrived out of nowhere. Lukovic will be an unknown quantity to many but was plucked from Serbian football at a young age by Strasbourg who are part of the Chelsea Football Group. They tend to have an eye for talent.
Loan spells at Heerenveen and Las Palmas haven’t been prolific, but with 18 goals in the Serbian top flight two years ago, the 20-year-old certainly knows where the back of the net is.
Hard to predict how this one will go, and there are plenty of similarities with Milutin Osmajic, not just geography wise, but the style of play too. Will be a handful for defences.
Andrew Moran
The plan B for Armstrong? Maybe so, but a definitely a different style of player. The major positive is that this is a permanent signing, and one Preston can develop and potentially sell for a profit in the future. A model we have to focus more on.
Moran has 70 games under his belt at this level already, as well as experience of the MLS as a teammate of Son Heung-Min at Los Angeles FC.
We’re likely to see him sit in the areas that Devine and Dobbin occupy, giving the manager some much needed rotation options. Brighton are known for their talented young players, and this one has all the potential to go the right way for North End.
Callum Lang
Last, and definitely the one most talked about this window. Lang has been linked with a move to Preston since last summer. At times it felt as if it would not happen, but it was eventually announced as a club record signing, surpassing the fee we paid for Osmajic in 2023. Just north of £2million, which is not much for some clubs but it is for us.
Lang is 27, and has had his injury troubles. Issues last February, August and a current one which has kept him out since Boxing Day are a concern. For us to be spending that money, he has to make an impact soon. The hamstring injuries may lend themselves to the fact Lang is an all action player that doesn’t stop running.
Reading the reaction from the Portsmouth fans says it all. They are devastated to see him go. A likeable character but also one that never gives up. I also had a message from an Oldham Athletic fan who is still fond of him after a loan spell there seven years ago.
Another alternative for us that can play behind the striker and up front, as well as out wide if we want to. Fans will support him because he seems like the player we need. However, since he is at the top of his career, he must maintain his fitness. He needs to deliver for Preston because there isn’t much of a resale value on this one.
