Ryan Porteous was signed on transfer deadline day by PNE
Preston North End made their third signing of the summer window on deadline day, bringing Ryan Porteous from Watford.
The Scotland international will play the remainder of the season on loan at Deepdale. Following the injury of first-choice defender Jordan Storey, PNE moved fast to bring Porteous in. The 25-year-old has previously worked with manager Paul Heckingbottom at Hibernian.
Porteous informed the club website that he is looking forward to the transfer. I believe that at my current age, I require a constant schedule of games as well as a healthy environment. Preston, I believe, is currently capable of providing this. I hope to contribute to both the changing room and the pitch.It’s not like I came here because I hadn’t been playing games on a regular basis; certain things happen in football, and that’s just the way it is. I’ve played a lot of games this season and am ready to go.
“I’m thrilled. Everything happened really quickly. I was quite sure I was going to come here after speaking with the manager, who I had previously worked with at Hibs. I’m looking forward to playing consistently and putting in the effort to bring success to the football club.”
Here, Watford reporter Andrew French gives us the dirt on PNE’s new signing…
Are you surprised Porteous has been loaned out?
AF: “I am, then I am not.” He has been a regular since signing two years ago, and after a difficult start to the season, he has regained some form. Watford signed James Abankwah on loan from Udinese in January, and he has performed well.Mattie Pollock is first choice in the heart of defense, therefore Porteous was already competing with Fracisco Sierralta and Angelo Ogbonna for a spot – followed by Abankwah. Furthermore, Tom Cleverley began the season with three at the back but has since switched to four, leaving only two positions open.
How would you assess his two years at Watford so far?
AF: “He was highly popular when he arrived, scored on his debut at Reading, and supporters embraced his devoted style. Last season, he was a regular. Then, in the summer, he was sent off for Scotland against Germany in the first game of the Euros.
‘That obviously damaged him – he admitted it – and this season he suffered a drop in form and lost his place. He knuckled down and returned, but as I mentioned before, he’s had others in his way.
What kind of defender are PNE getting?
AF: ‘Wholehearted’. A player who gives his all and fights on regardless. Ryan is the type of player you want beside you in the trenches. He also scored his fair share of goals as a defender.
He has a propensity to rush in at times, but he’s worked on it. Is also a master of some sh-thousery! ‘Very polite guy who always provides thoughtful responses to questions.
‘The fact that there is no option to buy means he does, and Abankwah is merely on loan.’
Leave a Reply