Preston North End have started their imminent rebuild with an abundance of new contract decisions. The latest player to resultantly retain their place with a new deal for next season is Robbie Brady.
The Irishman, who has shown strength in versatility throughout the 2024/25 Championship campaign, has put pen to paper on a new deal until 2026. After accumulating 29 league appearances for the Lilywhites this season, Brady will be keen to add plenty more to his PNE tally, which has now hit exactly 100 for the Lancashire side.
As a former Burnley, Hull City and Norwich City asset and now at 33-years-old, Brady signing on exemplifies Paul Heckingbottom wish to make certain that a commanding presence remains in the dressing room ahead of a crucial season.
Having won this year’s club’s Goal of the Season with an incredible free-kick strike in Preston’s FA Cup clash with Burnley, the Irishman has produced instrumental moments in some key fixtures – including this 3-0 decimation of one of PNE’s Lancashire rivals.
Foundations For Next Season
Building on the two new, out-of-contract arrivals at Deepdale prior to this announcement, Brady will continue to be a key figure following an emerging summer overhaul. Daniel Iversen was announced as Preston’s new first-choice goalkeeper as well as Jordan Thompson from Stoke City, brought in to replace the departing Freddie Woodman and Ryan Ledson respectively as like-for-like substitutions.
Confidence Is The Key
Brady will be looking to push on next season with the Lilywhites, hoping to better the tally of four assists this time around as an important squad leader. The 33-year-old suggested the relationship with Heckingbottom has been key to this extension:
“The manager’s been honest with me since the minute he came in and I think we’ve got on since. It’s been brilliant for me to be able to go back and forward with the manager like that…
…I know he has trust in me and from chats I’ve had with him he gives me the confidence that I need to be able to perform. Like I said, I’m looking forward to another year of working with all involved.”
Writer’s View
This is an immensely positive start to the pre-transfer window business. Two important areas of the squad have already been reinforced, and arguably improved, for free with the signings of Thompson and Iversen. This fresh extension has further cemented the club’s stance. Brady was among the key performers in the Irishman’s third year, after an underwhelming second season with the club.
If North End can continue to create deals in combination with exciting younger talents and Championship experts, then a diversion from a repeat of this year’s last-minute relegation battle would be likely.
