Simon Grayson has spoken of his delight that Iain Hume will be remaining a Lilywhite for the 2013/14 season.
The gaffer was speaking after the news was confirmed that Hume has been removed from the transfer list and is very much a part of the first team fold here at Deepdale this season.
When asked how Hume was feeling the manager said: “He is buzzing with it all because he has never wanted to leave the Club.
“Last year he left for different reasons, he was very, sort of sympathetic when I spoke to him at the start of pre-season about the issue that we had and he fully understood, he is not a young 16-year-old kid who is just coming into the game, he understood what happens, but when I told him what I’d like to do he was chuffed to bits because he enjoys playing at Preston.
“I think the fans have got a good relationship with him, they have seen how wholehearted he is and was part of a team that got promoted last year and hopefully he can make that back-to-back.”
Grayson continued: “From day one he were treated like any other player because that’s how I work, but I liked him as a person and a player as well and we have managed to structure this deal which has managed to keep him in place.
“It’s a win-win situation, I’m happy, the player’s happy and the other positive side is that the supporters will be happy with it because you look now and we got him, Kevin Davies, Joe Garner, Stuart Beavon, Graham Cummins, Chris Beardsley, Jack King - we have got some firepower on our books now and the more we can have competition for places the greater it can be for the team.”
With the excitement surrounding the announcement of North End’s new sponsor, kit release, signing of Davies and now Hume remaining, Grayson was keen to talk up the feel good vibe around the Club and the support he has had from the ownership and management within.
“It’s positive news from the football club that we have managed to structure a deal in place where Iain Hume will stay at the football club,” added Grayson.
“It was our intent at one stage that we felt we needed to get Iain off the wage bill because of the contract he signed when we were in the Championship and that was the only reason why he was probably going to leave the football club.
“I had a chat with him pre-season and told him I liked him as a player, I would like him in my team, but the finances of it all would make it difficult for him to stay, but thanks to Mr Hemmings, he has managed to structure some of the budget etc. which will allow Ian Hume to stay.
“I mentioned to Mr Hemmings and Peter Ridsdale in the last couple of days how impressive Humey has been in training, the work load, the attitude that he has been showing and they have said ‘we will try and back you and try and keep him at the football club’ and that’s great testament to them.
“They have worked extremely hard to try and make this decision happen.”