Duane Holmes is looking forward to getting started at Preston North End and to working with Ryan Lowe and Mike Marsh once again.
The 28-year-old joined the club on Wednesday on a two-year deal from Huddersfield Town, with the terms of the deal undisclosed.
Having worked under first team coach ‘Marshy’ with the Terriers and playing alongside the North End manager during his time at Bury, Duane admitted joining up with the pair played a part in his decision to make the move to Deepdale.
Duane said: “I’m very happy. I spoke to the manager last week and thankfully it’s all gone through pretty quickly.
“I played with him at Bury for a short time and obviously since taking on the role of a manager he’s done really well wherever he’s gone and I’m looking forward to working with him.
“I’ve worked with Marshy as well, and we get on really well. It was very brief at Huddersfield but you could tell he was a fantastic coach and he’s someone I’ve kept in contact with and I always speak to. He’s a great coach.”
In what was a slightly unique scenario, Duane actually featured against the Lilywhites on four different occasions during the 2022/23 campaign – twice in the league and twice in cup competition.
Describing Deepdale as a tough place to visit, the United States international is excited to be pulling on the PNE shirt himself.
Duane added: “I played against Preston a lot last year and the way we want to play is good.
“I’ve just been watching training out there and it was looking very good. The lads look really fit, really sharp, and I’m excited to be a part of it.
“You’re coming into a new dressing room and you don’t know the dynamics, but I know Dai [Cornell] so I’ve been with him a fair bit today so he’s been introducing me to everyone. It’s nice to be here.”
The former Derby County man has shown his versatility during his distinguished career, which has featured two Championship Play-Off campaigns.
Ryan Lowe sees the diminutive midfielder as a creator who can score goals, and Duane is looking to provide that flair during his time with PNE.
“I always give everything when I’m on the pitch and hopefully I can get people off their seat and get them excited,” he said.
“I like to run at people, run at the defenders and try and create stuff, so hopefully I can bring that to Preston."