With business now complete at Deepdale for this transfer window, we take a look back over the comings and goings this month, with five new faces through the door to strengthen a number of areas in Alex Neil’s squad.
During January, North End also extended the contract of Paul Gallagher until at least the summer of 2020, with young defender Josh Earl also putting pen to paper on a new deal.
Incomings
Brad Potts
Brad Potts signed from Barnsley on 3rd January, making it three signings in the first three days of the window for PNE. Potts was another to hit the ground running, he made his debut against Swansea City at Deepdale before scoring his first goal in the win over QPR. He then made it two goals in as many games with the second goal in the 2-0 win over Stoke City at the weekend.
Connor Ripley
Goalkeeper Connor Ripley joined on a permanent deal from Middlesbrough on 9th January, signing a long term contract with the club. Connor was brought in to compete with Declan Rudd for a place in the starting Xl though Ripley has had to be patient so far with Rudd in good form of late.
Jayden Stockley
Jayden hit the ground running after joining the club as our second January signing from Exeter City. Stockley came with in impressive goalscoring form, and it didn't take him long to get off the mark for North End, scoring in his second appearance in the win away to Queens Park Rangers. The 25-year-old has started all three games since making the switch up north.
Joe Rafferty
Right back Joe Rafferty signed from Rochdale on 23rd January after spending over six years at Dale. Joe will provide competition in defence and although he is primarily a right back, he can also play at left back.
Josh Ginnelly
Ginnelly was the first signing of the window, completing his move from Walsall on 1st January. The winger was brought in as a 'work in progress' by the gaffer, and is yet to feature in the matchday squad.
Outgoings
Andy Boyle - Ross County (loan)
Defender Andy Boyle had spent the first half of the season on loan at Dundee where he made 13 appearances, before returning to Scotland until the end of the 2018/19 campaign with Ross County.
Ben Pringle - Tranmere Rovers
Ben Pringle was recalled from his season long loan at Grimsby Town to allow him to join Tranmere Rovers on loan until the end of the season. Ben had made a total of 18 appearances for Grimsby while on loan, and made his debut for Tranmere as a second half substitute against Mansfield Town at the weekend.
Calum Woods - Bradford City
After four and a half years at Deepdale, Calum Woods agreed a permanent move to Bradford City this month. Woods made 82 appearances for North End and helped the Lilywhites to promotion back to the Championship at Wembley in 2015.
Chris Maxwell - Charlton Athletic (loan)
Goalkeeper Chris Maxwell headed out on loan to Charlton Athletic earlier this month with an eye on more game time. Maxwell is waiting on a first team appearance for the Addicks with goalkeeper Dillon Phillips in fine form since Maxwell's arrival. The 'keeper did have his first taste of action for the club on Tuesday though, starting in the U23s' 3-1 win over Crystal Palace.
Connor Simpson - Carlisle United (loan)
Striker Connor Simpson had spent time on loan at Hyde United earlier in the season where he had been in fine goalscoring form, before being recalled to join the first team squad at Deepdale for the festive period with a number of injuries in the side. Simpson then joined Carlisle United in January, his first loan spell in the EFL and he has so far made three appearances from the bench. Connor grabbed his first goal with the winner against Port Vale last time out.
Graham Burke - Gillingham (loan)
Burke joined Gillingham on loan on deadline day after making 15 appearances for North End since joining in the summer. Gillingham currently sit 18th in League One and Burke will be hoping to make an immediate impact and help the Gills climb the table.
Michael Howard - Stalybridge Celtic (loan)
Michael Howard signed on loan for Stalybridge Celtic earlier this month after a successful loan spell with Hednesford Town earlier in the season. He made his debut for Stalybridge at the weekend, playing 68 minutes of their 1-1 with Buxton.