Preston North End had to stave off Premier League clubs to sign Freddie Woodman.
The shot stopper has been very impressive, joining the Lilywhites from Newcastle United after spending nine years with the Magpies.
He has already become their first-choice keeper, while manager Ryan Lowe admits that he had to convince Woodman to join over going to Premier League clubs.
“He is [a serious buy] but I think it’s important we did that,” Lowe told LancsLive.
“The noises coming from Preston fans and everyone else associated was that you lose Daniel Iversen and where do you go from there?
“It was one of my main priorities – to get a very good goalkeeper in and I’d been speaking to Freddie early on, when we had the chance to chat to him.
“It certainly helped with him being at the same agency as me I’m sure! It definitely did down the line, because it was a battle in itself with Premier League clubs on the phone to him when he was driving down here to sign. He told them no, that it was done and his mind and heart was set on it.
“He has been a breath of fresh air.
“Are we lucky to have him? Yeah, but he wanted to come, play games and prove himself.
Lowe finished: “He said something to me when he signed, which I won’t repeat, but I thought ‘wow’ straight away. It told me the type of character he is and what a good goalkeeper he is. I am hoping that what he said comes true and I’m hoping he can be Preston North End’s number one for many years to come.”
