Two new players have joined PNE during the summer transfer window.
Ryan Lowe, the manager of Preston North End, believes that his two new additions will be key players this year.
The Lilywhites have added Stefan Teitur Thordarson and Sam Greenwood, strengthening their midfield group in particular. Although Preston will have the opportunity to purchase the former next summer, he is here on loan from Leeds United.
Thordarson, an Icelandic international, was permanently signed by Silkeborg of the Danish Superliga. Although Lowe now has a wide range of alternatives in midfield, he thinks he has recruited individuals who will pose a threat to the starting lineup every week.
“They are going to play big, important roles for us,” he stated to the Lancashire Post. These two are excellent athletes. All you have to do is look at Sam’s quality; he’s still getting used to things as we get everyone fitter. He is able to fit into such pockets, and we are aware of his exceptional quality. His delivery of the set piece is superb.
Stefan, on the other hand, seems to have gotten right into things. He has been playing, hasn’t he, thus he is most likely the fittest of the boys right now. After taking a little vacation, he returned for a brief preseason workout. You can see he’s in good condition. They’ll infuse the team with some talent and energy.
While Thordarson had been unheard of until a few days before to confirmation, Greenwood’s signing came as a complete surprise in early July. In an era of rampant whispers and rapid social media conjecture, Lowe was happy with that aspect of the deals.
“Yes, I understand that everyone wants to feel excited,” responded Lowe. “You have to keep them quiet because of a problem you have: someone could nick them. To be fair, Stefan declined our requests to join two Championship clubs. Sam declined offers from Championship teams and clubs overseas.
They have undoubtedly received some flak throughout the transfer window, but they are selecting individuals that are fantastic fits for me, the football team, our supporters, and ourselves. Thus, yes, they are undoubtedly talented, and it’s good to be able to introduce them while keeping everyone in the dark.
During a bad stretch of play in the second part of the previous season, Lowe talked about this summer’s goal of “solid citizens” and “leaders.” He was eager to have Thordarson join his team, but his capture has already given him a significant advantage.
“Stefan, I have seen a side to him of a true leader,” stated Lowe. “He pulls no punches and he was telling people on his first day of training: ‘Come on, do it right’. He’s a leader in a different way. I am expecting lads to step up and be counted for – and for lads already in the group to lead more, because that’s what they told me they could do last season when we had our end of season talks. “There are a few in there I’m seeing it from already. So yeah, if we can add and they’ve got those leadership qualities, it’s even better. But more importantly, we’ll be looking for some more quality to help us.”
