North End have announced the permanent signing of ‘keeper Connor Ripley from Middlesborough, making him this windows fourth signing for the North West club.
Ripley is joined by forward Jayden Stockley, midfielder Brad Potts and winger Josh Ginnelly in additions this January, as with recent form and injuries through the festive period it was evident that improvements had to be made. However North End have also been busy in departures this window, most noticeably ‘keeper Maxwell heading to Charlton Athletic till the end of the season, as well as Connor Simpson joining Carlisle United.
Here we take a closer look into the transfer business of North End, and what fans can expect to see from their new signings…
IN: RIPLEY, OUT: MAXWELL
Maxwell has proven many North End fans wrong since joining North End in the summer of 2016 from close neighbours Fleetwood Town. Whilst most expected Maxwell to be used as a back up to Lindegaard in his first season , he continued to surprise, and fought his way to the number one spot managing 41 appearances in all competitions. He was even rewarded with the Community Player Of The Year at the clubs annual event, and was quickly embraced by fans of North End. In the following season and then this current season Maxwell has been competing with Declan Rudd for a place in the starting 11, however having not made an appearance since early November it comes as no shock that he has moved on until at least the end of the season. Whilst he may not have been as important in recent weeks, North End fans were still sure to wish him all the best on social media, with many feeling he should have been first choice at North End.
In Connor Ripley Preston have signed a bright lad with time on his hands at just 25 years old. Having spent half a season on loan in League One with Accrington Stanley, he has helped his side defy the odds and stay well clear of a relegation battle much thanks to some admirable Ripley displays. Whilst he may not have the experience of some of the keepers Preston have been linked with (Joe Hart), Ripley averages nearly double the amount of saves per game as Rudd and more then Maxwell this season, and will for sure bring the competition back for that number one jersey. It’s also worth noting Maxwell was brought in from a League One side and at the time had roughly the same experience, and most North End fans will agree he turned out to be a great signing.
IN: JOSH GINNELLY
North End fans are used to signings that they haven’t really heard of before they joined in at Deepdale, however in Ginnelly I truly believe they’ve signed somewhat of a hidden gem. At just 21 years of age, Ginnelly offers pace and flare on the wing, with a mean left footed shot to go with it.
Having made 25 appearances so far for Walsall this season and asserted himself as one of the first names on the team sheet, most Walsall fans will be upset to see him leave, and at such a young age there is bags of potential within him. Whilst Ginnelly won’t find it as easy to be a regular starter for Preston this season, he will certainly be an excellent back up to Callum Robinson on the left wing, and has a bright future ahead of him that North End fans such eagerly look forward to seeing in action.
IN: BRAD POTTS
A former player at bitter rivals Blackpool, Potts joins North End also from League One, having spent the last 18 months with Barnsley. Also young at 24 years of age, Potts has bagged 7 goals so far this season for Barnsley, nearly double his entire tally from the season before (4 goals). As an attacking midfielder Potts is in good company, with Graham Burke occupying that role in recent weeks and Alan Browne returning from injury last week. Potts will definitely need to be on top of his game if he wants to break into the starting line up, and he did struggle at times with Barnsley last season when they were in the Championship. Whether or not Potts will be used as an impact player on the bench or a regular starter remains to be seen, however it will certainly be interesting to see how he gets on second time round in the Championship.
IN: JAYDEN STOCKLEY
Current top scorer in League 2, more goals then Salah in the 2018 calendar year, and more headed goals in 2018 then any player in Europe’s top 4 leagues… What isn’t to love about Stockley! At 6 foot 3 inches tall, Stockley certainly provides a threat in the air that will hopefully combine well with North End’s wingers, has a sharp eye for goal and is only 25 years old! Obviously having arrived from league 2, the question as always is will he be able to compete at this level, however with those stats there’s no reason as to why he shouldn’t at least be given a chance! With first choice striker Sean Maguire often struggling with injury problems, and Louis Moult struggling with consistent performances, Stockley provides another option in front of goal that Alex Neil is lucky to have acquired, as there was fierce competition for his signature.
With weeks still remaining in the transfer window, anything can still happen, and with Premier League clubs rumoured to be sniffing around top players such as Ben Pearson and Callum Robinson, this Janaury month could still turn sour for North End fans. On a positive note though, so far Preston have had an excellent window with some impressive additions, and fans will be hoping that these new signings can help turn their recent form around for the better.
So what do you think North End fans? Happy so far? Let us know by getting in touch via our twitter page @TheBigDivision.
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