Huddersfield Town are among some of the strongest sides in League One to be competing for Ryan Ledson’s signature. The 27-year-old is out of contract following its expiration at Preston North End.
Championship and Scottish Premiership clubs such as: Oxford United, Portsmouth and Hibernian are rumoured to also be well within the race, with the U’s being linked to Ledson recently.
Despite this garnering interest from several competing clubs, the Terriers are believed to now be the frontrunners for the former Everton academy graduate. Having made 215 appearances in total for the Lancashire side, since arriving in June 2018, Ledson was a clear fan favourite in his most recent years at Deepdale – with a particular resurgence in form under Paul Heckingbottom.
The Englishman scored three goals and provided an assist in 32 domestic appearances from a role predominantly in the double pivot of North End’s midfield last season.
New Manager, New Ambitions
Huddersfield have now announced Lee Grant as their new first team manager, with the former Manchester United goalkeeping coach set to spearhead a large rebuild at the John Smith’s Stadium. The 42-year-old will take charge as the club looks to reach an agreement with Ledson, who has now spent seven years in the second division.
This three-year contract has given Grant a role as a long-term managerial investment, with a particular emphasis on restructuring the squad for the future. Ledson would likely earn a starting place in Huddersfield’s midfield if the deal proceeds. As aforementioned, the other third tier clubs fighting for the 27-year-old’s signature are said to be Bolton Wanderers and newly-relegated Plymouth Argyle.
An appeal to Ledson may be to re-join his former club, Oxford United, as they look to maintain another season in the Championship but a similarly important role to Huddersfield’s may not be offered to the midfielder in that starting eleven. Having made 66 League One appearances in two seasons with the U’s, Ledson has already had two seasons of experience in the third division.
Writer’s View
Grant would massively boost his hopes for Huddersfield’s promotion if a deal can be struck for Ledson. PNE fans were gutted to be informed of the midfielder’s departure this summer, with the 27-year-old bringing passion to the club and an ever-present spirit in nearly every appearance.
League One would be the perfect place for Ledson to not only recapture a starting role, but also potentially use it as a rebound for his career if Huddersfield nurture his talent properly. There would still be plenty of time at 27 to further his potential with the Terriers and either help ensure the club’s promotion – and play a part in the long-term rebuild – or earn a move straight back up into the Championship.
Ledson would likely flourish in a three, with the former Cambridge United loanee having only one midfield partner to call upon at Preston largely this season, with the formation near enough changing week-in week-out. A sense of permanence would be ideal in this stage of his career.
