Preston North End’s recruitment under Alex Neil over the past few years has been hit and miss. Some could accuse the club of being too safe, or not very proactive in recent transfer windows.
Things could be set for a shake-up in the recruitment part though. James Beet has joined the department and looks set to be part of a new team in that area.
Beet was previously at Barnsley, and their recruitment has been very impressive in recent years. The Tykes are the surprise package in the Championship this season, making a late run for the play-offs after seven wins in a row. They’ve found some obscure but promising talent in recent years from across Europe, whilst their continental approach including managerial appointments have paid off.
Who knows how much of a say Beet has had on some of those signings.
Beet, who hails from the region, has taken to Twitter to confirm his move whilst wishing Barnsley the best for the future.
Joe Savage used to head up the recruitment department until leaving for Hearts at the back end of last year.
He was with Neil at Hamilton Academicals, and Norwich City too. The new arrival of Beet is from one of Neil’s former clubs in his playing career, so he may well have a few contacts still there.
You would imagine Neil will have had a big say on this appointment along with Peter Ridsdale, so that could suggest plans are afoot for next season with a big recruitment project set to get underway and – Alex Neil may still be very much part of that future at Preston North End.