Former Preston winger Billy Bodin is in blistering form for Oxford United right now – and Ian Holloway has admitted missing out on him to North End.
Bodin signed for Preston back in January 2018, arriving from Bristol Rovers to bolster Alex Neil’s attacking options.
The Welshman was able to produce real moments of magic, but injuries and inconsistency ultimately resulted in Bodin failing to live up to his billing.
Bodin’s contract expired at the end of last season, and North End allowed him to leave for free. Oxford were able to swoop in and sign Bodin on a one-year contract.
Bodin has taken some time to really hit top form with Oxford, but his form since the turn of the year has been outstanding.
In five games since 2021 ended, Bodin has racked up three goals and three assists, helping Oxford to three wins in those five games.
Bodin was superb against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, even though Oxford fell to a 3-2 defeat.
Bagging a brace, Bodin opened the scoring with a stunning free kick, whipping an inch-perfect left-footed strike into the top corner.
His second was a beauty too, producing a fake shot on his right foot – something Preston fans saw many times – before bending his left-footed effort in.
Bodin seems to be finding his top form again with Oxford, and many Preston fans will be delighted to see it after some injury woes.
Former Blackpool boss Ian Holloway spoke about Bodin on Quest, admitting that he wanted to sign former Bristol Rovers ace Boding for QPR before Preston got a deal done.
“Billy Bodin, ex-Gashead, I love it,” said Holloway. “I tried to sign him when I was at QPR. Beautiful player,” he added.