
Preston North End have completed the signing of former Everton goalkeeper Iain Turner on a permanent deal ahead of the new season.
The 27-year-old, who this summer turned down the chance to remain at Goodison Park, impressed making 17 appearances for North End while on loan from the Toffees last season.
"I think it is a great opportunity for both of us. If you want to work with a player and you enjoy working with that player, they are the right reasons," said Preston boss Phil Brown.
"He kept goal for us very well last year and the only thing that was eluding us was clean sheets.
"I am now slowly but surely piecing together a back four and hopefully those clean sheets will come early on in the season and we are at the top end of the table.
"Iain has shown a tremendous loyalty to us. He walked away from a contract offer at Everton which was very lucrative, he also has personal ambitions and doesn't want to sit on the bench or be third choice at a Premier League club.
"He wanted to play and I think those kind of intentions, credentials and characteristics are something I am looking for and I want to work with."
In other news, Ian Ashbee has been handed the captains armband ahead of the new campaign.
The 35 year old worked under manager Phil Brown in his time at Hull City and was the obvious choice to succeed Sean St Ledger who left for Leicester City.
"It was the obvious choice for me because I have worked with Ian Ashbee at the highest level and we have worked very successfully together - he knows what is required of being captain of a Phil Brown team," said Brown.
"Ian can run a changing room when the manager or the coaches are not there. He understands what is required. We have got a group of senior players that could self-manage the changing room and Ian being at the helm of that was a no brainer to me.
"There are not many footballers who have captained their football club in every division. In five years Hull got promoted four times. It was a fantastic achievement for him and not only did he captain Hull to promotion to the Premier League, they stayed in the Premier League as well."
You can also follow Jamie on twitter: @Jamie_Journo
Kirkland leaves Wigan Athletic with heavy heart
(Wed 23/05)
Blackburn Rovers target Ki focused on Celtic
(Wed 23/05)
Post a comment