Preston North End have confirmed the signing of Josh Bowler. A former rival player with Blackpool, has now joined Paul Heckingbottom’s side.
Bowler, who never featured for Nottingham Forest despite signing in September 2022, has landed a one-year loan deal at Deepdale. The 25-year-old has played for Everton, Hull City, Blackpool, Queens Park Rangers, Cardiff City and Olympiacos. Last season at the Bluebirds, Bowler scored five goals in 39 appearances while on loan.
Having missed out on a deal for Liam Millar this summer, the former QPR winger will join the Lancashire side as somewhat of an alternative, given his attacking profile. Bowler offers dynamism and a willingness to be a threat in the final third – which is exemplified by the former Everton player’s 18 career goals.
PNE have already used the loan market this summer, to acquire Sam Greenwood and Kaine Kesler-Hayden. The permanent transfers have been made nicely at Deepdale; Stefan Thórdarson and Jeppe Okkels join a host of Scandinavian recruits already at the club.
In last season’s Championship campaign, the English winger took 50 shots, with which he produced 20 on target. Cardiff also enjoyed Bowler’s 41 successful dribbles, subsequently landing the 25-year-old in the 81st percentile of similar players in the league.
Preston currently sit 18th in the division after three games. However, a 1-0 win over Luton Town has sparked a restorative faith in their club under a new boss. This has coincided with a 5-0 thumping away to Harrogate Town in the EFL Cup second round.
Bowler had this to say about his Deadline Day switch to the Lancashire club:
“I’m very happy. I’m looking forward to getting started and playing football again and enjoying it. After speaking to the manager about how he wants to play and what the plan is for me, it was really good and it was something I was looking forward to.
“It’s obviously going to be a little bit different to what the fans are used to seeing but it’s going to be exciting because it’s a forward-thinking, aggressive style of play which I’m ready to get playing.
“I’m an out and out attacker. I love attacking. I love beating players, getting on the ball and running with it, and getting fans off their seat which I think is something going out of the game.”
Following the announcement of this pick-up, Preston’s boss Heckingbottom offered his involvement in proceedings, and why the 25-year-old was selected to join.
“We’re really pleased to get Josh’s loan over the line because he’s a different type of player who adds something new to the squad. He’s experienced at this level and he was really keen to come and work with us, which is a really good sign.
“He’ll obviously not be available for Saturday’s game but we’re looking forward to getting to work with him throughout the international break.”
Writer’s View
PNE fans are loving life with this signing. The adoration that Blackpool supporters showed for Bowler has made this arrival so much sweeter for a majority of the fan base. Not only will this add a missed attacking dimension to the Lancashire side, it will also give them more options to rotate and experiment new team selections.
The 25-year-old has had a strange time as of late, with no opportunity being given to him at Forest. Several loan spells will have left Bowler glad to find another chance at Deepdale.
With an incredible announcement video to go alongside this purchase, the Lilywhites can kick-on with their promising season that lies ahead – having secured their attacking target.
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