Former Preston North End winger Tom Barkhuizen is now enjoying a rich vein of form with League One side Derby County.
PNE decided to part ways with Barkhuizen at the end of last season in what felt like a pretty mutual decision.
Barkhuizen had indicated that he felt like he was at a crossroads with PNE and kind of knew his time was coming to an end even in the summer of 2021.
Last season proved to be a difficult one for Barkhuizen as he was only able to start 10 Championship games and make a further three substitute appearances.
Injuries were a real problem and ultimately meant that PNE fans didn’t even get to really say goodbye to Barkhuizen.
It was probably time for everybody to move on, with Barkhuizen racking up more than 200 appearances for PNE.
Derby County were happy to swoop in and sign Barkhuizen on a free transfer, making him the first signing of the David Clowes era following the club’s takeover.
Barkhuizen has been a regular under Paul Warne this season and he is now in great form.
The 29-year-old scored twice against Accrington Stanley to start 2023 in style before finding the net in the 3-0 FA Cup win over Barnsley six days later.
Barkhuizen was at it again over the weekend, scoring what proved to be the winner in a 3-2 victory at Cheltenham Town.
That’s four goals in three games to start 2023, with Barkhuizen looking like becoming a vital part of Derby’s push for promotion back to the Championship.
PNE fans will be glad to see Barkhuizen doing well, and whilst few could really argue that North End should have thrown money at him to stay, it’s nice to see such an important player of the last few years shining with his new club.