After his scoring exploits on Monday, Andrew Hughes has signed a new deal with Preston North End.
His contract was due to expire this summer but he has now committed himself to the club till 2024.
Hughes joined from Peterborough in 2018 under Alex Neil as a replacement for Greg Cunningham. He has always been a solid and dependable player but this season he has really shined as a left sided centre back. He is dominant in the air and looks very comfortable as part of a back three.
He managed to get his first league goal for nearly three years against Stoke City in the last game. After the joy expressed in his celebrations it’s no surprise to see him sign a new deal with a club he clearly enjoys playing for.
It’s unclear how much of a say Ryan Lowe has had with these negotiations likely to have been underway before his appointment. The manager is happy to have his future sorted though.
“We’re really pleased to tie him down. He’s not only a good footballer, but a fantastic lad, and when you’ve got them in the building that always helps,” said Lowe.
“From the minute I came through the door he’s shown his attitude and application in training, and he’s proved over the two games we’ve had that he wears his heart on his sleeve.”
“I’m pleased he’s committed his future to Preston North End and we’re expecting more big things from him.”
Hughes himself was complimentary of the new manager. “I think the gaffer is trying to get the belief back in amongst the squad that we are good enough to compete at the top end of the table and I think he’s doing that.”
Other contract situations remain up in the air with Scott Sinclair, Tom Barkhuizen and Patrick Bauer’s all due to expire this summer.
Bauer is probably the most likely to sign a new deal first, as he is such a crucial part of the team.
Hughes has made 122 appearances for the club since his move three and a half years ago. Now a settled part of the back three, he will look to carry on his form next season.
It remains to be seen who will be joining him in the defence though as on top of Bauer’s contract situation, Sepp van den Berg is likely to be rejoining Liverpool once his loan spell finishes. Paul Huntington, Liam Lindsay and Joe Rafferty could all be on the lookout for new clubs as well in the next six months or so.