North End have completed the season-long loan of goalkeeper Declan Rudd from Norwich City.
The England U21 custodian put pen to paper on a new deal at Carrow Road and on his move to Deepdale on the same day and will join up with the Lilywhites squad for the start of pre-season training in the next fortnight.
The Diss-born shot-stopper initially signed a half season loan for the Lilywhites under Graham Westley back in January 2013 and had three managers in his first three games for the Club – Westley, caretaker John Dreyer and Simon Grayson.
He went on to make 15 appearances, keeping seven clean sheets in the run in to the end of the season and will hope to add to that in the 2013/14 season, having signed up for the full campaign.
Speaking about his latest acquisition, manager Simon Grayson said: “Declan was very impressive last year and it’s fantastic that Norwich have allowed us to have him for a season-long loan and fantastic that Declan wanted to come back after enjoying his spell here as well.
“It fitted well for everyone and I think we are going to have some great competition in there, so it gives me great options.
“I think it’s a testament to the football club that Norwich were keen to get this deal done as quickly as possible with a player that they think highly of.”
Rudd himself was very happy to have his future sorted, he added: “As soon as last season finished I wanted to get a deal done to come back for a full season.
“I saw what the manager achieved when he came into the Club and it looked like the Club was making real progress and hopefully this year we can build on what we did at the end of last season.
“When I was away with the England U21s I was constantly in contact to get things sorted and thankfully I got back and two days later it was sorted and it is great to have it done and I can’t wait to get started now!”