New recruit Izzy Brown is hoping to make a home for himself at Preston North End following a number of loan spells in the Championship.
The 24-year-old, who will join PNE on 1st July upon the expiration of his contract at Chelsea, has so far spent most of his career on temporary spells away from Stamford Bridge.
But joining the Lilywhites, on a one-year deal with the option of another, gives the attacking midfielder the opportunity to really settle down in one location.
Speaking to iFollow PNE, Izzy said: “I’m over the moon to finally get this done. It’s been in the works for a couple of weeks now, but I’m absolutely delighted to be here.
“I finally feel like it’s the place where I can have a home and just be happy playing football, doing what I want to do every day, doing something that I love.
“Preston’s a proper family club and ever since I’ve been here all the staff have made me feel so welcome, and everyone’s so lovely around the place, so I feel like hopefully it can get the best out of me in this atmosphere."
Izzy's recent loans have included Luton Town and Sheffield Wednesday in the last two seasons, but arguably his best spell came with Huddersfield Town, who he won promotion with back in the 2016/17 campaign.
“Going on loan is tough but you do gain a lot of experience," he said. "Me being young, going out on loan in the Championship, it’s amazing for any young player to play as many times as I have.
“Now I’m getting to that age where I want to develop myself as a player and hopefully be a legend at a club, and I really feel like Preston’s a place where I could do that.”
Izzy first joined Chelsea as a 16-year-old from West Bromwich Albion, where he became the second-youngest man to play in the Premier League when he made his debut in 2013.
Once at the Bridge, he quickly impressed in the youth team and was invited to train with the first team by manager at the time, Jose Mourinho.
Izzy added: “When you’re training with amazing players day in, day out from a young age you’re only going to get better.
“Chelsea’s one of the biggest clubs in the world; it is so hard to break through there. Sometimes you’ve got to take another walk of life. Even though it’s sad for me to go because I grew up supporting them, my main focus is fully on Preston and I’m so happy to be here.”
There’ll be a familiar face in the dressing room for Izzy when he reports to pre-season training on 1st July as he will be reunited with former England team-mate Ryan Ledson.
The two came through the ranks with the Young Lions, winning the European U17 Championship together in 2014 when PNE’s No.18 captained the nation to victory.
“He’s a great guy," said Izzy. “He’s been brought up well, he’s a good footballer and it’s been a long time since we’ve played together. I think the last game was in the European Championships at U19s, there’s a picture of me and him celebrating so I’ll have to dig it out.
“I’ve not spoke to him so I feel like when everyone finds out, he’ll find out as well, but maybe I’ll give him a call after this interview and have a chat with him!”
Hear more from Izzy in his full interview with iFollow PNE at the top of the page.