Lancashire Evening Post

The Spurs man was on the score sheet at Wrexham but PNE fell to defeat

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Preston North End midfielder Alfie Devine admitted the Lilywhites were off the pace on Monday night at Wrexham.

The Lilywhites dropped out of the Championship top six with their second defeat in 13 matches. Goals from Nathan Broadhead and Ollie Rathbone, in either half, sent Phil Parkinson’s side into a two-goal lead.

It was Tottenham Hotspur loan man, Devine, who pulled one back with six minutes to play. The 21-year-old’s fourth goal of the campaign couldn’t spark a late comeback, though, and he wasn’t one for covering the performance up post-match.

Speaking to BBC Lancashire, he said: “It's hard to say (if we deserved more) straight after the game, but I think we definitely know we weren't at our best. That's not us, I don't think.

“I think the two goals we conceded, everyone can say that's not good enough to concede goals like that. But then on the flip side of it, I don't think we made their ‘keeper work as much as I think we'd like to.

”He had maybe two or three each half to make and based off the last game as well, we tested him a lot more. So, I think in both boxes there's definitely a lot to work on. There were spells in the first half we played some good stuff.

“The second half we definitely dominated a lot of it, but I think that's always going to be the case with them being one nil up and it's about making those first-half opportunities and spells of play count.

“We had one or two half chances where, on another day, it goes a lot better for us. But second half, when you have that much of the ball and stuff like that, us attacking players and us front players definitely needed to create a little more than what we did.

“I think we've shown this season as always that we never give up on games, whether we're in losing positions or even when we're winning, we still show the same fight, the same mentality going into it.

“I don't think anyone can doubt our mentality, our work rate and stuff like that. Even to the 90th minute and the full-time whistle, we're still trying to do our thing, still fighting, still working hard. That's one thing that this team can be quite proud of, that we definitely always have that.”

Your next PNE read: Player ratings vs Wrexham

The Lilywhites take on Wrexham this weekend at Deepdale

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One main fear around Preston North End over the summer was goals.

Emil Riis, a player who split opinion but provided a reliable source of them, left on a free transfer after hitting double figures in the league. Sam Greenwood, contributor of five, also moved on while Brad Potts - who tends to chip in with his fair share - was sidelined for a lengthy period.

Those concerns were somewhat eased over August, with the double loan swoop for Alfie Devine and Lewis Dobbin. And how time has told since then, with the pair playing a central role in boosting Preston’s goal threat as a team. Devine’s league numbers (3G 1A) don’t quite reflect the value he has added but for Dobbin, five goals - all non-penalties - and four assists is an eye-catching effort.

A word for Daniel Jebbison, too. The Canadian has endured some injury frustration but has three goals and two assists to his name. Michael Smith and Thierry Small have both found the net on three occasions each, on top of the four scored by last season’s top scorer across all competitions, Milutin Osmajic.

It looked like there might be a great weight on the Montenegrin’s shoulders to score Preston’s goals this season, but this is a squad sharing the load nicely. North End are 14th for xG (21.7) but eighth for goals scored (25) - maintaining that clinical edge will be key but it’s not an unrealistic challenge.

Mads Frokjaer scored his second goal last time out and with finishes of that calibre up his sleeve, the Dane must aim for his best scoring season at Preston. On the eye, PNE have resembled a side with threat and goals in them. They are not perfect but, undoubtedly, a more entertaining, engaging watch than previous seasons. Home or away, you feel the Lilywhites can find those moments.

All players mentioned deserve credit for how they’ve chipped in and the variety of traits they’ve brought to the table. The output of Dobbin in particular, though, ought to be highlighted. Nine goal contributions in 14 league appearances is no mean feat and a further advert for the quality which can be found via the loan market.

Dobbin isn’t the finished article; if he was he’d be playing at a higher level. But he brings attributes which make him a dangerous operator in the final third: speed, dribbling, finishing. Playing for a manager who appears to be managing him efficiently, Dobbin has seized the opportunity given to him by Preston, on the back of an encouraging stint at Norwich last season.

He clearly has a knack of assisting and scoring goals, something PNE have dearly missed in many recent campaigns. They are different profiles but Callum Robinson comes to mind with Dobbin. Like the former fan favourite, Dobbin won’t always look as though he’s having the greatest game. But he will always be trying things and, at any given moment, could come up with the goods for North End.

Those players make the difference and have to be embraced. Together with Devine, North End have two technically sharp attackers who not only add creativity and flair, but work their socks off and understand the game. If Heckingbottom’s men are to fulfill the potential this season seems to have, you can count on the pair being instrumental. Keeping them fit and firing is essential.

The former Plymouth Argyle and Port Vale man is on loan at PNE for the season

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Alfie Devine is becoming more robust in the eyes of Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom.

The Lilywhites secured the loan signing of the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder in the summer, after his loan spell at Belgian club Westerlo caught Heckingbottom’s eye. Devine has featured regularly in the PNE starting lineup, scoring three goals and assisting two across all competitions.

He has been a key cog in a Preston side that, after 18 games, sits fifth in the table. In North End’s most recent victory - at Sheffield Wednesday - Devine dropped into a deeper role during the second half as PNE came from behind to win. That flexibility is something Preston’s boss highlighted upon the arrival of Devine.

“Yeah, good,” said Heckingbottom. “Listen, I like Alfie. I like him a lot. I like him as a lad, certainly as a footballer. I still want to challenge him to be better. He's got fitter. Little things I want to change about everything he does... I think he's looked stronger the last three games.

“More and more, little things we do after games: how he recovers, how he prepares. This is a big jump. Like I’ve said, I saw lots of things in his last loan last season which I liked and thought, ‘Yeah, it would be great if we could get Alfie’.

“But this league's totally different to where he was playing last year. He felt that and he realises that. But I know the last three games there, 90 minutes, 90 minutes, 90 minutes, he’s looking stronger as the game's gone on. He's adapting and he's doing the things that's required to give yourself that chance to be able to perform.”

The Aston Villa man was on the score sheet again at Southampton last weekend

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Lewis Dobbin is enjoying life at Preston North End alongside fellow loan man Alfie Devine.

The pair are at Deepdale for the season, from Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur respectively. Both players have been featuring on a regular basis and added spark to the Lilywhites’ attack. Dobbin has four goals in all competitions while Devine has a couple to his name.

It was the former who got PNE up and running at Southampton last time out, as Paul Heckingbottom’s side ran out 2-0 winners at St Mary’s. Dobbin and Devine have had some humorous exchanges in the comment sections of each other’s Instagram posts; the Spurs man is someone he’s glad to have around.

“Yeah, of course,” said Dobbin. “Alfie's a top player, so we try and demand the best from each other every game. I think we've got a good relationship on and off the pitch. We're trying to push each other and obviously, that comes with a bit of banter on the side, but we're just trying to push each other as much as possible.”

The pair are not the only loan men at North End this campaign. One player who has been catching the eye of every PNE supporter in recent weeks is Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong. He is someone else Dobbin gets on with well and it’s fair to say he expects the teenager to go on to great things.

“I think his performance speaks for itself, really,” said Dobbin. “He's got a very, very high ceiling and I'm really close with him off the pitch, so I'm buzzing for him and hopefully, he can go back to Everton and keep smashing it.”

The Preston team that has been built for this season has a likability about it, after a big freshen up in the summer. It’s a dressing room Dobbin has slotted into seamlessly, which makes coming into work every day very easy.

“Yes, the lads are great,” said Dobbin. “It's settled really quickly. I know everyone's really close in there. It's like a small family, almost. It really helps on the pitch as well as off it. We bond really well together and it’s showing.”

On a personal note Dobbin is taking it one step at a time but encouraged by his start and enjoying the role he is carrying out for PNE. It is the fourth loan spell of his career and after a mixed 2024/25 campaign, he knew how important it was upon joining.

“Yeah, it's been a tough last year to be fair, with injuries,” said Dobbin. “Obviously, my loan at West Brom was a bit frustrating, but it's in the past now and I can only control what I can control. I wanted to come here with a fresh mentality and try and stay fit for as long as possible.

“I knew everything else would kind of take care of itself, so I'm just taking it game by game and trying to look after myself as best as possible. I think I'm getting there. I think this week will show a little bit how far I've come. Hopefully, I can just keep getting fitter game by game and keep making that next step.”

Spurs loan man has made a bright start to his PNE loan spell

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Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom wants another one of his players to make the England Under-21 squad.

Thierry Small earned his maiden call up to the Young Lions in September and was asked back this month. PNE’s number 26 - who has started every Championship game so far this season - made his debut against Moldova away.

North End’s boss has not played down the achievement, though knows it’s merely a next step on the journey Small wants to take. And, he feels there’s scope for Preston to have double recognition in Lee Carsley’s squad.

“Yeah, my aim is to try and get Alfie (Devine) in that as well this season,” said Heckingbottom. “I think it’s great recognition and something that Thierry can be proud of. But it's a stepping stone, isn't it?

“You can't be satisfied with a stepping stone. But yeah, it’s good. He went away in the first one; feedback was good. He didn't get minutes but they called him up again, so you know then the feedback was truthful and they were happy with him.

“Then, he gets some minutes in the first game (this time) which is great, so his job is to try and sustain that. The 21s are totally different from the other age groups. It's serious. It's under-21s, but it's under-21 at the start of each cycle and campaign.

“So you're actually playing with 23, 24-year-olds who are the best in the country. It's a big achievement to get in that squad. Thierry's openly said (it) and we've got lots of players who have ambitions to be performing in the Premier League.

“The majority there are in the Premier League, so you get an eye-opener as to the talent that the players have. One or two will have the mentality as well and already be performing at the top. That recognition is a really big motivator for you to keep going and drive on and try and get more.”

Small was one of a handful of PNE men to go away with their countries over the latest international break. Another was Northern Ireland stalwart Ali McCann, who started both games against Slovakia and Germany. Heckingbottom tuned in for the latter match and was impressed with what he saw.

“We were chatting afterwards about the energy they've got, how hard they work for each other,” said Heckingbottom. “I actually felt in that Germany game, Germany were wary of that and a bit unsettled by it; maybe a German team wouldn't have been fazed by that (in the past). That goal that was disallowed early on as well, the physicality, directness, ‘Come on then, deal with this, defend this’. It would've been interesting to see if that one had been given onside.”

Northern Ireland played Germany on the Monday but McCann’s double workload saw him put on the bench away to West Brom, last Saturday. Heckingbottom feels it’s something which has contributed to the midfielder’s injury issues in recent years. McCann, in the last four Championship seasons, has made 29, 31, 31 and 28 league appearances, respectively.

“Yeah, it does (impact selection),” said Heckingbottom. “I think it's only natural. Ali’s a huge, huge part of what Northern Ireland do. Anyone who watches Northern Ireland play will see he puts just as much effort into those games as he does for us. He puts everything on the line.

“So yeah, before my time and then last year, Ali certainly at key moments suffered injuries through fatigue and overuse, so we want to try and protect him from that - protect ourselves from that - because he's a big player for us. But also, we've got a squad now where as good as Ali is, we don't want to weaken the team.

“So, we've picked good teams. We've got Ali on the bench coming on. Andy (Vukcevic) we were worried about as well, because he's had big numbers when he's been away. Milly, his training programme's been poor for us the last five, six weeks due to injury and a court case. He went away and played two games again, so we knew that he'd probably not last. We’re always considering that until the end of the November window.”

Your next PNE read: Fan Gallery from West Brom

PNE made four loan signings in the summer transfer window

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Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom was pleased to see hard work pay off in the loan market this summer.

It’s an avenue which has served both the Lilywhites, and their manager, well over the years. Last season, Kaine Kesler-Hayden won Player of the Year. The latest quartet of temporary recruits at Deepdale are Lewis Dobbin (Aston Villa), Alfie Devine (Spurs), Daniel Jebbison (Bournemouth) and Harrison Armstrong (Everton).

Dobbin and Devine have both scored a couple of goals each, and Heckingbottom is delighted with the attributes all four bring to the table. As far as convincing loan players to come to the club, it’s something PNE’s manager puts a lot of time into in order to try and fight off competition.

“I think you're probably better asking the players but from my point of view, when you're looking at your loan players you're bringing in, and it's easy for me to say this because it's true... Why would I think about wasting any of the budget, when you're working on fine margins?” said Heckingbottom.

“You've got to see them performing in your team, you've got to see them playing in the XI, you've got to see them contributing to help you win. That's all loan players want. They want to know that they're going to get game time. Also, I want to be really clear in my head how we're going to use them and what they're going to bring.

“We can show the players that, so they get a good understanding of how much we know about their game, them as lads, what they can bring to us and what we expect them to bring. And then also where we want to help them improve. Sometimes that's in line and really in sync with what they're asked to do at the parent club.

“Sometimes it's not, because we might be asking them to do a slightly different role. But all these messages, clarity, they get a good understanding of what's going to be expected of them. And then if they want to come, I'm delighted because we don't shy away from anything in terms of how hard it's going to be and what we expect.

“If they want to come, they've already bought into how we work and I think that's a really big thing. I wouldn't sign players if I'd not spoken to them and that process is not just for loan players, it's the same for the other lads as well. I just think we've worked hard. They've (loans) all wanted to come.

“They've all been desperate to come here. Same as the other signings, and that's back to me the point. We could’ve easily paid two million for some of these players we've brought in. Back to your questions at the start of the window, everyone would have been clapping their hands. It's the same player, we've just not paid two million pounds for him; we've got him for free.

“We've set the bar high in terms of what we've gone for, but we've had help from loan clubs with wages, we've convinced players who could’ve potentially had more money elsewhere but wanted to come to us. We've worked hard to get that and ultimately, they've bought in and wanted to come here, which is always the most important thing.”

One thing which stands out about this summer’s loan signings is the experience they have under their belt. As shown in January with Preston’s swoop for Jayden Meghoma, that is not the be-all-and-and-all for Heckingbottom. However, it did boost his belief in how well this quartet could perform in a North End shirt.

Heckingbottom told BBC Lancashire. “I'm not scared to take a first loan, but it is different. You have got to be patient but I've also had first loans that have been unreal.

“I think there's much more confidence in me taking these loans this year, from what I've witnessed on their previous loans, definitely, and conversations with other people who've worked with them.

“Alfie, for example, someone that we've probably all known about a long, long time. I felt how he played, not just how he played last season in Belgium, but how he acted on the pitch and how he carried himself - I said this to Alfie before he came, that convinced me that we needed him and he'd make us better.”

Your next PNE read: Ridsdale confirms American's attendance at Preston game

Alfie Devine’s fabulous first-half strike against Derby County secured all three points for PNE on Saturday.

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Alfie Devine’s strike against Derby County has been labelled as ‘one of the most satisfying weaker-foot goals’ ever.

That’s the verdict of EFL expert Ali Maxwell from the respected Not The Top 20 Podcast, who has also praised PNE’s impressive start to the campaign.

Paul Heckingbottom’s men have shot out of the blocks in the Championship this term, with their fine start continuing on Saturday against the Rams.

Devine’s spectacular left-footed effort was the difference at Pride Park, securing the Lilywhites’ third victory of the season - moving them into the play-off positions.

With PNE sat fifth after the opening six games, it’s been an outstanding turnaround from last term’s 20th-placed finish.

And Maxwell has lauded the impact Devine has had on the squad following his switch from Spurs in the summer and has also praised Heckingbottom’s work following North End’s impressive start.

EFL expert’s big billing over Spurs loanee and PNE start

Speaking on the latest edition of the Not The Top 20, he said: “Preston beat Derby 1-0. What a start to the season for Preston and one of the most satisfying weaker-foot goals you will ever see from Alfie Devine.

“He took a touch and might’ve thought to himself I’m not as good on my left foot as I am on my right but it’s sitting up nicely and I’m just going to smash it.

“Devine is only 21, he’s had a couple of loans. Was good at Port Vale in League One, found it tough at Plymouth under Ian Foster but looking great for Preston.

“Only turned 21 as well and this is a guy on loan from Spurs but came through Wigan’s academy and was sold off when they went into administration. He’s scored two great goals already for Preston.

“Their only defeat this season has been a 1-0 to Pompey, there was nothing much in that either.

“I think Paul Heckingbottom is and has always been a very underrated manager at this level but has got a promotion to the Premier League on his CV.

“He’s doing a great job for Preston, they’re in fifth after six games. It’s not flukey, it's not by chance that they’ve just been really competitive.

“At the same time I am pretty concerned about Derby. I was a big buyer of Derby’s stock in pre-season and broadly it came down to John Eustace and defensive numbers last season. But Eustace has not been able to so far this season implement his strong defense first style of play.”

PNE return to Deepdale this Saturday to face Bristol City before contests against Hull City and Charlton Athletic prior to next month’s international break.

Talking points after Preston North End’s 0-1 win at Derby County

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Quality shines through

If there was ever a fixture to reflect the improvement of PNE since last season, then it has to be this one. North End went to Derby in early April and moved the ball nicely enough but badly lacked cutting edge, while the Rams - without being great - ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from crosses.

Here, the challenge wasn’t all too different with Derby allowing Preston to have the ball - almost asking them to find a way through. This time, there always looked more gusto and flair about the Lilywhites. Thierry Small was direct at every opportunity while Derby looked uncomfortable with roaming loan duo Alfie Devine and Lewis Dobbin.

At the other end, John Eustace’s side sustained a period of pressure in the second half but you rarely escape that away from home in the Championship. It’s often the case that you have to ride your luck once or twice; on the whole PNE were organised, gritty and resilient enough to shut Derby out and win in trademark style on the road.

It was the type of away game North End supporters had longed for: a Saturday, strong following and one-nil scoreline. Heckingbottom had spoken about wanting to go over to the away end after a victory of that ilk, and you saw him embrace that moment once the players had lapped it up.

Amazing Alfie

It was a magnificent moment of quality from the Spurs loan man. The point hasn’t really been stressed that this was on Devine’s weaker foot, too. He generated incredible swerve and power in the strike and it was great to see him lap up the celebration, in front of 1,800 away fans going barmy.

Devine spoke to the media post-match and came across incredibly down to earth, as well as someone thoroughly enjoying himself. A big onus is put on the characters Preston bring into the squad and the 21-year-old is a massive tick in that regard. He’s an honest, humble and hard-working player with bags of quality.

Heckingbottom said: “I must admit, I do like watching him training, playing. He's scored a couple of really good goals already but, again, he knows the game, he works hard. The little bits that no-one probably gives him credit for, like trying to block the one-twos, tracking his men into the box, getting in good positions, stopping forward passes. If he didn't do that, if Lewis didn't do that, then they wouldn't play because we know how hard it is to win games.”

Gibson’s injury blow

On Lewis Gibson being forced off late on, Heckingbottom said: “Yeah, Gibbo will be struggling. It’s his neck, it looks like he's got a collar on at the minute. Listen, we don't know. We'll see how that reacts, but Gibbo's a tough lad; he's suffering if he's even allowing us to take him off. So, yeah, he'll be sore.”

Armstrong’s competition

With the PNE boss having outlined his huge belief in deadline day signing Harrison Armstrong, you did wonder whether he may thrust him into the XI - especially against his former loan club in Derby. But, it looks as though Armstrong is going to have to bide his time and work his way into the starting XI - given the form of Ben Whiteman, Ali McCann and Devine.

On his main competition, Heckingbottom said: “All of the midfielders, yeah. He could play anywhere. If we played two in there, he could play in a two. He could play any of the outside ones, if we played three. He obviously played very deep here for Derby last year. I think there's more to him than that; he wants to be more than that. You can see how much distance he covers. He's got Premier League athleticism, so we'll try and use that.”

Your next PNE read: Paul Gallagher’s prediction after Preston’s win at Derby

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

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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