Josh Seary feels he’s a “much better player” a few years on from signing his first professional contract.
The defender signed a scholarship with North End in 2021 and at the same time committed to a professional deal, which would be triggered when he turned 17.
With that due to come to an end this summer, the 19-year-old has signed a new contract, which will see him stay with PNE until at least the summer of 2025.
Reflecting on the first deal he signed, Josh said: “I was a little baby back then, only 16, so it’s completely different now.
“I’m a lot more mature, I’ve developed as a player, so it’s a lot different from back then.
“Now I’m 19 so I’m more mature, I know the game better, and I think I’ve just developed into a much better player all round so it’s good.”
Josh first experienced first team football during pre-season of the 2021/22 campaign, before then playing a key role in the U19s securing the league and cup double.
He gained further experience out on loan with Warrington Town, where he impressed, and in August 2023 came his professional debut in a Carabao Cup round one clash against Salford City.
Manager Ryan Lowe has recently suggested there may be more playing time for him before the season is up.
Speaking about his new deal, Josh said: “I’m over the moon really. I feel at home here so I’m just glad it’s all done really.
“I’ve got to thank the gaffer and the club for showing faith in me. Hopefully I can repay the faith by playing as many games as I can and showing the fans what I can do, hopefully before the end of the season.
“I can’t thank the gaffer enough. He’s helped me loads this season. He’s had confidence in me, he’s shown belief in me to start me and to throw me on the bench a few times.
“Obviously I want to repay the faith in me that he has by, whenever I get to play, putting on a good performance and showing the fans and everyone else what I can do.”
The right-sided defender, even when not named as part of the 20-man squad, has regularly travelled with the team to away matches, as well as being at Deepdale for home fixtures.
He’s looking forward to his next opportunity to feature, as he looks to build on his 71 minutes against Salford City last year.
“It was really good,” he admitted. “I think everyone works to make their professional debut. It was unbelievable, and once you’ve got that first taste of it you want more, and that’s what I’ve been wanting. Just more games and hopefully they come soon.
“You know what to expect [being with the team on a matchday]. On away days, you know what the routine is, so just being in and around everything has helped me massively because when I do get the chance to play it won’t come as a shock to me. I’ll know what to do.”