Lancashire Evening Post

The on-loan Tottenham Hotspur man was the match winner for PNE - who clinched a 1-0 victory at Derby County

Sign up to our Preston North End newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Lancashire Evening Post, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Preston North End has quickly felt like home for Alfie Devine and he was thrilled to score the winning goal on Saturday.

The Tottenham Hotspur loan midfielder scored his second goal in a PNE shirt, in scintillating style at Derby County. Devine picked the ball up on the edge of the Rams box and sent a swerving, left-footed strike crashing in off the post. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the travelling 1,800 away fans, whom Devine ran over to and slid in front of - across the drenched Pride Park surface.

Speaking post-match, he said: “It's an amazing feeling. Obviously, to score a goal like that and celebrate in front of the away fans - who made it even more special - I couldn't get a better day than that. I think that's everything that we've been working on. I thought it sort of all came together.

“The results we've had at home have been amazing and that's what we want to create, where it's a really hard place to come. But it's these ones where you come away from home in a place like this - like I said before, I thought the defenders were superb. They did a brilliant job today.

“The goal, the win at the end, the celebrations even when there was a tackle, a save or block, they (the fans) were brilliant. I think everyone knows how good our home support is and I think today we've shown that when we need it, they're definitely there for us on the road as well. So yeah, a massive mention to them today because they were brilliant.”

Devine on loan so far and fans singing his name

“Yeah, it's brilliant,” said the midfielder. “I think this is sort of the first time I've experienced that, where I can hear my name and stuff like that. For me, coming in on loan it’s what you want - it makes you feel comfortable, it makes you feel welcome.

“I already knew coming here that it would be closer to home; obviously it was more on the football side, but I think I knew the football side would take care of itself if maybe you feel a bit more comfortable off the pitch. It's been a great start - not just for me but for the other new boys that have come in as well, so we just keep pushing on.

“I knew Thierry, Dobs, Harrison a bit as well. I obviously know Gibbo from my time at Plymouth as well. It's always good coming in and seeing faces but the boys that I didn't know coming here, they've been even better with introducing themselves and making me feel comfortable, so it's got off to a good start.

“All us loan boys would say the exact same thing - we're learning every day and we already feel like we’re getting something out of the loan. It’s only early days but it is exactly what you want, to big credit to him (the manager) for that.”

Preston North End brought 12 new players to the club this summer.

Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong was the final arrival, on transfer deadline day.

The 18-year-old became PNE’s fourth loan recruit of the window after the swoops for Alfie Devine, Daniel Jebbison and Lewis Dobbin.

Also snapped up by Preston were Daniel Iversen, Jack Walton, Pol Valentin, Odel Offiah, Andrija Vukcevic, Jordan Thompson, Thierry Small and Michael Smith.

With the transfer window now closed, we’ve taken a look at Preston’s strongest starting XI and bench at this moment in time. Clearly, squad depth and rotation makes it a difficult task - while players over the course of the season may play their way into the ‘best’ XI.

The likes of Offiah and Armstrong certainly come into that category. With the injuries to Jordan Thompson, Robbie Brady, Brad Potts and Will Keane taken into account, here is what we’ve gone for...

Your next read: Every Championship signing this summer

Alfie Devine and Milutin Osmajic were on the score sheet at Deepdale

Sign up to our Preston North End newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Lancashire Evening Post, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Preston North End were this week’s SkyBet Surprise on the leading EFL podcast ‘Not The Top 20’.

The Lilywhites produced late drama at Deepdale as they beat Leicester City 2-1, in their first home match of the season. Tottenham Hotspur loan man Alfie Devine broke the deadlock early doors and Paul Heckingbottom’s side had several chances to score more goals, but were pegged back on 67 minutes by teenager Jeremy Monga.

However, the winning moment was delivered by Milutin Osmajic five minutes from time. The Montenegro international latched on to a delightful Thierry Small cross from the left, to finish off a blistering PNE counter attack. NTT20 co-host Ali Maxwell was full of praise for Preston’s performance.

“They were very impressive,” said Maxwell. “They went one-nil up early in the game and it was a good piece of quick distribution from Daniel Iversen - the second time we have seen that from him in two games so far. A really strong start to his return. It’s his third spell and now permanently the Preston ‘keeper.

“The opening goal did have somewhat of a helping hand from the Leicester ‘keeper. An error, of that there is no doubt, but what a fantastic finish from Alfie Devine. I think, because it’s an empty net, you might assume that this is an easy skill. But, Devine is approaching the right hand touchline.

“As a right footed player, taking a right footed shot, it is going to always curl away from goal so the area he had to aim for is very short. He absolutely nailed it and Devine was so impressive in the first half, playing in a sort of right sided midfield role and constantly getting in behind the Leicester left-back, into space.

“They had a lot of joy down that side. Thierry Small then joined the party, playing left wing-back. Leicester couldn’t handle Preston’s speed and desire to get forward, particularly down the sides. Having gone ahead there was always going to be a chance that Leicester put on some pressure.

“But actually, it was probably Preston who looked the more likely to extend their lead in the first half - which again, speaks to this idea that this wasn’t some smash-and-grab, underdog win. They were the better side here and yes, they defended with discipline and shape but they also created quite a few chances.

“In the end, Leicester did equalise and that’s because Jeremy Monga exists. He turned 16 one month ago! He looked so good here, coming off the bench. Then, it’s 1-1 and you think, ‘Hold on, are Preston going to lose their nerve here?’. How do you respond to a 16-year-old coming on and scaring the living daylights out of you?

“Well, it turns out they responded by getting the winner and another nice goal it was, too. Thierry Small might’ve made his breakthrough on the right wing for Charlton last season but it turns out you can also play him on his natural side, at left wing-back. With his speed, directness and skill, he will be an asset.

“What an assist it was for Osmajic to win it. This was a really good, all round performance from Preston and the fans loved what they saw. You can understand why... the centre-backs put in a strong performance as a trio, the wing-back both got an assist, (Michael) Smith and Osmajic seemed to combine well as a front two.

“Smith, the wily target man and Osmajic, one of the quickest players in the league. In this game, he was constantly able to demonstrate how dangerous he is, running in behind. But, the star was Daniel Iversen with an amazing save in particular when Preston were one-nil up - and of course, against his old club as well.

“A deserved 2-1 victory and significant I think. Last season, Preston only won three games total in 24 games against Championship top-half teams. We don’t know where Leicester will finish but they have beaten a big dog at home, and it sets them up nicely for the next few fixtures.”

The Spurs loan man scored in PNE’s 2-1 win over Leicester City last weekend

Sign up to our Preston North End newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Lancashire Evening Post, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Alfie Devine described it as the ‘perfect start’ to life at Preston North End after Saturday’s 2-1 win over Leicester City.

The 21-year-old has played in all three games so far, after joining the club on loan from Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month. Devine came off the bench in the opening day draw at QPR, started against Barrow in the Carabao Cup and got the nod for his first league start last weekend - as PNE saw off the Foxes.

Devine wasted no time in making a fine impression on the Deepdale faithful. With just seven minutes on the clock, he rounded Leicester goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk and finished expertly from a tight angle, around 20 yards out. Devine’s efforts were hailed by manager Paul Heckingbottom and the player was delighted post-match.

“I enjoyed it from when I first stepped on to when I came off,” said Devine. “Yeah, buzzing. I was questioning why he came out at first and then when I took it round him, obviously the angle was a bit tight and I just thought if I aim for the back post then it's either going in, or someone's tapping it in - luckily, it went in.

“The staff players, everyone, have made me feel welcome. That's important because when you feel like that, you go on to the pitch and perform as best you can. When I was first coming in, (the manager) got to explain how he wants things to go and I think it was a perfect match; today sort of showed that a little bit, I think.

“I think it was sort of a no-brainer coming here. Obviously, I know the area from being (round) here as well, so that helped. When I played against Preston last time they had a few loan boys playing and stuff, so I always knew that when I came here it would be a step forward for me, and it's proven to be.”

Devine has had a taste of the Championship football before, albeit a fairly brief spell with Plymouth Argyle in the 2023/24 campaign. The midfielder made 15 appearances for the Pilgrims. Now, after a valuable life experience of one year on loan with Westerlo, he feels ready to really make his mark on the second tier stage.

“My first time in the Championship, I thought that I wasn't myself enough in a way,” said Devine. “I think that the game against QPR and today hopefully shows that I'm trying to prove myself a bit more in this league. It was vital (the year in Belgium). Living in another country and all that sort of stuff, I'm really glad I went there for that season.”

Alfie Devine, Ole, Ole...

North End supporters serenaded the Spurs loanee almost instantly, when he stepped on to the pitch at Loftus Road for a bright cameo. Hearing his name sung straight away was a great feeling for a young player in a completely new environment.

“Yeah, definitely,” said Devine. “I think when I heard it at QPR away, hearing that as well gives you a good feeling of the place, yeah.”

Ex-Preston North End loan defender signs for Scottish giants

Sign up to our Preston North End newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Lancashire Evening Post, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Former Preston North End loan man Jayden Meghoma has signed for Rangers on loan.

The Gers announced the arrival of the 19-year-old from Brentford on Sunday. It is his second spell away from the Bees, who signed the left-back for a reported £5m back in August 2024.

Meghoma has made four appearances for Saints and played 14 games for the Lilywhites, in the second half of last season. The England youth international reunites with Russell Martin at Ibrox, with the Rangers boss having handed Meghoma his senior debut while in charge of Southampton.

Meghoma said: “I am very excited to be here, it is a fantastic club, and I know a lot about the rich history of Rangers. When the deal was presented to me, I thought straight away that it would be a fantastic opportunity for myself and my family.

“Rangers is a big club and I am ready, I am hungry and excited to get going. I know Russell from my time at Southampton. I think he is a fantastic coach and I know how he likes to play, so I think it will be quite quick for me to integrate into the team.

“I have been in the first-team environment for a while now and it has been fantastic. I am gaining new experiences, and that is what I am taking here. The main thing for me is getting results.”

Russell Martin added: “I am really pleased to welcome Jayden to Rangers. I have worked with him before, and I know exactly what he brings. He is a young player with big potential, real athleticism and a great attitude.

“He is hungry to learn and improve, and I’m confident he’ll thrive in this environment. We’re excited to help him take the next step in his career here at Ibrox.”

Your next PNE read: Fan gallery from 2-1 win over Leicester City

Ross Chapman reports from Deepdale as goals from on-loan Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Alfie Devine and Milutin Osmajic clinch victory for PNE

Sign up to our Preston North End newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Lancashire Evening Post, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Preston North End secured their first Championship win of the season, in their first home outing, defeating Leicester City 2-1 at Deepdale.

The Foxes’ youngest ever goal scorer Jeremy Monga equalised either side of North End’s two strikes, with Paul Heckingbottom’s side clinching all three points late in the day.

On his first Deepdale start in the Championship, Thierry Small had two early efforts just inside the box but the first deflected wide and the second just brushed past the side netting. Two minutes later, it was the opposite wing back who picked out the crucial pass, as Pol Valentin searched for Alfie Devine down the right-hand side and weighted his ball perfectly.

The Tottenham Hotspur loan man broke into an advanced position down the flank, rounded the sweeping goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk with ease and expertly fired home into the side of the net. Devine took the shot on at what many would deem to be an awkward angle, but PNE’s new man displayed all the composure and quality required.

After a spell in which Leicester had a lot of the ball but threatened very little, Milutin Osmajic was found inside the box on 24 minutes by Devine, but he couldn’t hit his effort cleanly. Moments later, Valentin’s teasing cross into the box found Michael Smith at close quarters, but his bullet header was guided inches wide of the bottom corner.

North End continued to cause issues for the Foxes in the final 15 of the first half but were unable to extend their lead, with Small and Valentin continuing to have joy out wide. The Lilywhites were well worthy of their half time lead with former Fox, Daniel Iversen, leaving the Deepdale turf untroubled at the break. Jordan Ayew’s header wide from the free -kick of Bilal El Khannouss was the closest Leicester came.

Two minutes after the restart, PNE came so close once again to a second, this time captain Ben Whiteman got the right bend on his free kick from inside the ‘D’, but it curled past the post. Small then bombed down the left-hand side once more on 52 minutes, creating space for a cross towards Osmajic, but the Montenegrin couldn’t connect from close range.

Not long after, his striking partner Michael Smith found himself in a good spot on the right-hand side of the area but his effort only found the side netting. North End’s number 24 tested Stolarczyk midway through the half, meeting Whiteman’s dead ball delivery with a point-blank header but the ‘keeper made a routine save.

The visitors then began to turn the screw; they had yet to test Iversen up until Abdul Fatawu forced a tremendous save from the Dane, who dived to his right to deny him the equaliser from point blank range. However, his former side levelled things up seconds later.

Substitute Monga, who only turned 16-years-old last month, scored his first goal for the Foxes after working his way into the North End box and powering the ball into the near corner. Ayew then had a great chance to turn the game around as the momentum of the game switched, but the Ghanaian saw his well struck effort hit the wrong side of the post.

North End stood firm for the following few minutes as Leicester endeavoured to produce their second comeback in a week, but PNE would get their reward for such a strong showing - against newly-relegated opposition - and fears of wasted chances coming back to haunt them were banished.

A superb counter attack led by Small and Osmajic gave the Lilywhites the clincher, the former bursting down the flank and launching a low, sweeping cross to find the Montenegrin, who calmly finished past Stolarczyk to spark wild celebrations in the Town End.

PNE dug deep in those last few minutes but, down the other end, Osmajic almost had another: once again, a seamless break from one box to another led to the striker bearing down on goal once more, on his own and surrounded by Foxes defenders, he went for power but was denied by Stolarczyk.

A first home win for Preston since March and the perfect way to kick things off on home soil for 2025/26, which will surely breed confidence for players, staff and fans alike.

Attendance: 16,797 (2,669) PNE starting XI: Iversen; Storey, Gibson, Hughes, Valentin (Offiah 72’), Whiteman, McCann, Small (Vukcevic 86’), Devine (Thordarson 72’), Smith, Osmajic. PNE unused subs: Walton, Lindsay, Carroll, Okkels, Ayodele.

PNE signed the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder last week on loan

Sign up to our Preston North End newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Lancashire Evening Post, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Alfie Devine and Thierry Small made their Preston North End debuts last weekend - and manager Paul Heckingbottom is excited by what’s to come.

The Lilywhites confirmed the loan signing of Devine just one day prior to the opening clash at Queens Park Rangers. He came off the bench with around 20 minutes left to play, replacing Small, who had been handed his full debut.

It’s the fourth loan spell of Devine’s career, with the England youth international having had a productive stint at Westerlo last year - following loans with Port Vale and Plymouth Argyle. PNE’s boss sees plenty of value in having the 21-year-old on board.

“Yeah, pleased,” said Heckingbottom “Obviously, someone I've known about; never worked with him. He was in Peter Murphy's youth team at Wigan, so Pete knew him. Local boy who lives not far away. It was his loan in Belgium where I really started to have a good look at him and could imagine him in the position for us. He played as a 10 a little bit more... he could play in any of the midfield positions as well, so that's good.

“You can see he's got quality. He wants to get on the ball and we're really pleased to have him. He's had a couple of 45 minutes’ but he's eager. We had a chat and I think within five minutes of me and him speaking, his agent called back saying, ‘Yeah, I want to go for Preston’, which straight away I'm like, ‘Let's get this done’. That's what I want, people who want to be here.

“I think you can see that when he comes on to the pitch he plays with the energy that we want. He wants to get on the ball. You don't get sold to Spurs at 16 and get first-team minutes if you're not a good footballer. We know he's a good footballer but more importantly, I think he's got a good attitude about him on the pitch. He's been about a bit getting first team minutes.

“He's been a deep line midfielder getting on the ball. He's got good technique. He's been a box-to-box player, played predominantly as as a ten. Last season he showed a lot of aggression against the ball and a good understanding, but I think you could see on the ball, he's comfortable. So, wherever I use him, he's really good and he's got the hunger and the drive, without the ball, to fit into what we want to do.”

Heckingbottom on Small

The former Charlton Athletic man got 75 minutes in the tank on his first Championship outing. Small’s arrival in June sparked plenty of excitement among the PNE faithful but Heckingbottom knows that patience will be needed with the wide man. Nonetheless, there’s lots of belief in Small from the manager and Heckingbottom has enjoyed their time working together to date.

“Yeah, you could see moments in him today,” said the PNE manager. “Definitely. I thought he looked a bit nervous, said that to him at half-time - just go and play. But he is a great character; you'll get to know him and I just want him to express himself on the pitch and he'll be fine.

“I know there was a buzz about when he came in and straight away I’m thinking, ‘Yeah, if he was that player everyone's saying he wouldn't be here!’. Do you know what I mean? But we see a lot in him... we love his personality, we love how he approaches training, games and we want to get more of those real top moments out of him.”

Your next PNE read: Fan gallery from QPR!

The Tottenham Hotspur man is in contention for tomorrow’s game at QPR

Sign up to our Preston North End newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Lancashire Evening Post, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Preston North End have confirmed the loan signing of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Alfie Devine.

The 21-year-old - who has had loan spells at Westerlo, Plymouth Argyle and Port Vale previously - goes straight into contention for Saturday’s opening day clash at QPR.

An option-to-buy has been inserted in the agreement, with the fee understood to be a sizable seven-figure sum. He has penned a new deal at Spurs before joining.

Devine is the 10th signing of the summer transfer window for PNE, and second loan recruit following the capture of AFC Bournemouth striker Daniel Jebbison.

He told iFollow PNE: “I’m buzzing. When this opportunity came about, I was excited when I first heard about it. I’m happy to be here and happy to get it done.

“I can’t wait to get going tomorrow. I like to make people excited. I like to get on the ball. I like to always be involved in it and get people off their seats.”

On his new No.21, manager Paul Heckingbottom said: “Alfie’s a talented player who can play in a number of positions. He can play as an attacking midfielder, he can play deep and he’s played box-to-box, so he’s got that flexibility which is great for us.

“I really liked his loan move in Belgium last year where he showed really good energy and appetite off the ball, which is what we demand. He showed his technique and quality in the final third to get goals and help assist others as well.”

The Spurs man has had loan spells at Plymouth Argyle and Port Vale

Sign up to our Preston North End newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Lancashire Evening Post, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Preston North End are close to completing a loan move for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Alfie Devine, the Lancashire Post understands.

The Lilywhites have made nine signings in the transfer window so far but manager Paul Heckingbottom has stressed the need for attacking reinforcements. One of those was an attacking midfielder, with Devine’s arrival set to boost the manager’s options in the final third of the pitch.

Devine, who hails from Warrington, was snapped up by Spurs’ academy from Wigan five years ago. He had a loan spell in 2023/24 with Port Vale in League One, before heading to the Championship with Plymouth Argyle in the January. Last season saw Devine head to Belgian Pro League side Westerlo, for whom he scored six goals.

It’s believed an option-to-buy could be inserted in the agreement, but that the fee may make a permanent swoop challenging for PNE. Millwall and Wrexham are understood to have enquired about Devine over the course of the summer. He is under contract at Spurs until 2027, having made two appearances for the first team.

Devine has represented England at U16, U19 and U20 level. For Vale, the 21-year-old scored three goals and provided three assists in 26 outings. During his stint with Argyle, Devine failed to find the back of the net but set up two goals in 15 appearances. He turned out for Westerlo on 32 occasions last season.

PNE are looking to sign another striker in the transfer window

Sign up to our Preston North End newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Lancashire Evening Post, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom wants to add a ‘different type of goal scorer’ in the rest of the transfer window.

The Lilywhites completed a loan swoop for AFC Bournemouth’s Daniel Jebbison in June, and moved swiftly to bring in Michael Smith on a free transfer following his exit from Sheffield Wednesday.

But, with Will Keane’s future up in the air at Deepdale, Heckingbottom has been open about wanting another centre-forward. The challenge of looking for a permanent striker has been discussed by PNE CEO Peter Ridsdale.

Which, raises the question as to whether North End could take the loan route once again - having had success with the captures of Tom Cannon and Cameron Archer in previous Championship seasons.

There are just shy of five weeks left for clubs to wheel and deal, and the loan market naturally kicks in later as Premier League clubs conclude business of their own. Should Preston look to the top flight, it would be little surprise if one player stood out.

Tottenham Hotspur front man, Will Lankshear, spent the second half of last season at West Brom and has been involved with Spurs’ first team in pre-season. He made six appearances for Tottenham in 2024/25, having scored 18 PL2 goals in 2023/24.

Lankshear has been linked with a return to West Brom, who are now managed by ex-Spurs midfield Ryan Mason. However, should he become available, Heckingbottom also has a relationship which could boost Preston’s chances.

The striker came through the youth ranks at Sheffield United and joined Tottenham for a reported £2m in August 2022. While in the Blades academy, Lankshear played under the current PNE boss.

At the time of the sale, Heckingbottom said: "It's a good deal for lots of reasons. In terms of him as a player we really like him. We think he has a good gift to score goals and credit to Steve Holmes Jack Lester and all the academy staff last year for getting that player in.

"He was only let go from Arsenal 12 months ago so for us to get a deal, potentially, up and above £2.5m is fantastic business for a 17-year-old lad who could leave us next summer. We wish him well, we love the kid.”

Lankshear failed to find the net for the Baggies across four starts and seven substitute appearances, but was described as ‘highly rated’ during his stint. Prior to his exit, boss Tony Mowbray spoke positively about the striker’s talent.

He said: “Will is a young player with some lovely attributes. He wants to score. He scores lots of goals in training. He’s got a rocket in his right foot which we haven’t really seen on the pitch at first team level yet.

“But, at some stage he will whack one in and everyone will say ‘where did that come from?’ It’s amazing how powerful his right foot can be. He’s been here a few months, trained brilliantly. His attitude is the main thing I like. We all like Will. Let’s hope he can find the end product required. He needs to put some numbers next to his name now.”