Preston North End

PNE complete loan signing of former Premier League defender

Preston North End have announced the loan signing of defender Alex Baptiste from Middlesbrough.

Baptiste will don the no.27 jersey at Deepdale, and joins the Club with plenty of experience at both Premier League and Championship level.

The 30-year-old is able to play as a full back or as a central defender but could be referred to as a journey man after appearing for eight clubs since 2002, including Blackpool, Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers.

Impressive performances at Ewood Park during the 2014-15 season earned Baptiste a permanent switch to Middlesbrough.

Baptiste now makes the move to Deepdale after being restricted first-team opportunities at Middlesbrough since signing in 2015.

A temporary move away from the Riverside Stadium put Baptiste into the first-team picture with Sheffield United – where he netted once during his 11 appearances.

Speaking after completing the move, Baptiste said: “It’ll be good to be back playing again. Obviously I know a lot about the North West so I’m really looking forward to the challenge.

“I will just give 100 per cent, I try my best. I play centre-half or right-back but wherever I play I will give my best and that’s all you can do really.
“I’m getting older now so I have a bit of experience and so I can try and help the team by passing on things I have learnt.”

Meanwhile, manager Simon Grayson was pleased with his latest signing,

“Alex Baptiste is another versatile player and he has got the experience of many games under his belt. I signed him for Blackpool some time ago and he has gone on to have a great career so he is another player we are delighted to have signed.”

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