Michael Crowe says that the influence of a former Preston North End shot stopper helped him decide that Deepdale was the move for him.
The Welsh international custodian agreed a two-year deal with the Lilywhites from the start of July, but it was his advisor, former Republic of Ireland and North End goalie Wayne Henderson who helped make his mind up on a decision to sign for Alex Neil’s men.
“Wayne Henderson has told me a lot of positives about the club and hopefully I can come here and show everyone what I can do,” explained the 22-year-old.
“I am super excited to be here. Things have happened quickly. I was a bit nervous at the start of the summer that it might take a bit of time to get things finalised, but the club have come in and been good and everything has gone smoothly, so I am looking forward to getting going.”
The new man has plenty of knowledge of the second tier, having spent many years at Ipswich Town and he feels his is joining a side ready to move on to the next level.
“The Championship is one of the hardest leagues in the world,” he continued.
“There are a lot of games, a lot of tough games where it is so evenly matched, but hopefully we can push on this season, really step up and hopefully at least get into the Play-Offs.
“I am looking forward to getting into the dressing room. I have been at Ipswich for a long time, so I am ready for the new challenge and meeting new people.
“All the staff have been very welcoming and I can’t wait to get started in pre-season.”
It will be a dressing room with some familiar faces, having worked closely with Chris Maxwell on Wales’ China Cup exploits in March, where Billy Bodin was also called up for the first time, like Crowe, but how does a man born in London and who grew up in Norway come to be part of the Welsh set up?
“I was born in London, but I grew up in Norway. I probably feel more Norwegian, but when I am in Norway I feel more Welsh! It’s a strange one; it’s a bit all over the place.”
“I know Maxi from Wales and when you have a good group of goalkeepers, you always try to push one another.
“The better the other goalies are, the better you have to perform to have a chance. There is always a good bond between the goalkeepers and I am looking forward to fighting it out,” he added.