Josh Harrop is ready to take on the challenge of the Championship after agreeing a move to Preston North End from Manchester United.
Harrop has signed a four-year deal at Deepdale, effective from 3rd July, and he can't wait to get going at his new club.
On the move, the 21-year-old said: “I'm delighted to be here, it's a new start for me to get things going in my career and I'm buzzing to get playing and to make an impact in the team.
“I've got four years now at Preston North End where I know I am going to be and I am going to put everything into that and dedicated myself to do the best for the team and the best for the fans.
“Hopefully I can achieve my aims and ambitions that I have set myself by coming here and that's to get promoted with Preston North End and help the club get as high as we can.”
Harrop follows in the footsteps of many players who have made the move to PR1 from Old Trafford, with a number of players in the current squad having started their careers with United.
With plenty of familiar faces in the dressing room, the attacking midfielder feels that will make his transition an easy one.
On why he chose PNE, Harrop continued: “The club has shown the love towards me and shown how much they want me and that's always a big thing, to come to a place where you know you are wanted.
“I know a few of the lads already; I know Ben Pearson, Callum Robinson, Marnick Vermijl and Liam Grimshaw, I have played with them all before, so I'm not coming into the dressing room and not knowing anyone, I'm coming in knowing I already have friends here.
“I've watched how the lads have done and heard a lot about their time here and they've done great since they've been here and it's been a step forward in their careers so hopefully that will be the same for me.”
After being at United from the age of eight, the decision to leave the Premier League giants was a big one for the former England U20 international, but he feels now is the right time to make the next step in his career.
“I'm 21 now and I'm confident in myself, I need to play first team football to get myself out there. That wasn't guaranteed at United, even though they offered me a new contract it was very limited in game time and so I couldn't take that risk at my age. I need to be out there, proving myself and doing what I know I'm capable of.
“It's a big thing for me to leave United after the number of years I have been there, but I am confident in my ability and know it’s the right decision.”
Harrop ended the 2016/17 season on a high, making his Manchester United debut against Crystal Palace, and helped Jose Mourinho's side secure three points with a superb strike to mark his debut with a goal.
“I left on a high, a dream I had since I was young came true and now I am moving forward, I am here now and I am delighted to be here and I will take every step as it comes and do the best that I can.”
Although rated for his attacking flair, Harrop also gets his hands dirty when necessary, and is hoping to give the supporters something to shout about this season.
On his playing style, he added: “I'm feisty when I have to be, I'm an attacking player, I like to get forward and I think I am just an exciting player to watch. I'm always looking to do things to get their fans on their feet and I like to try and get a few goals, I'm sure I will chip in with a few.
“I put everything into every game, I dedicate myself to every game and I will always do my best every time I step out on the pitch so the fans will hopefully see that and appreciate that.”
The United Academy product is joining a squad with an array of young talent, something that he feels will only be a benefit to him and the team and he has high hopes for the new season.
“It's good for me being young, coming into a team where there are a lot of young lads who will help me settle in and I think it's good that I know a few of them. It won't be too new to me because I know how some of those players play and I will be able to settle in well.
“I set my standards high so I'm pushing for every possible outcome, I want to get promotion, I want to score ten goals plus, I want to do everything I can to do my best for Preston North End and for myself.
“I'm showcasing myself as well, showing that I can play men’s football and I can play in the Championship and I can impress. I've not had much experience playing in the league, I've only made that one appearance for United and it made me feel like I wanted more. Stepping out on to the pitch and feeling the crowd behind you, it was a great feeling and so I'm looking forward to it.
“I've trained with the first team at United and I've been playing with lads who have been out on loan and I know myself that I am ready to play. I was probably ready a long time ago, but I've not really had the chance, but I'm definitely ready to play and I can't wait.”
And on the competitive nature of the Championship, Harrop is looking forward to testing himself against the teams in the division: “If you look at the teams in the Championship there's some very good teams in there so there aren't going to be any easy games but that's something I like.
“I enjoy going into games knowing it's not going to be easy, you want a challenge in everything you do and I'm excited. I know there's a lot to play for and I just want to get started now because I finished the season so high I just want to get this season going now.”