‘Just didn’t’ – Paul Heckingbottom West Brom bid as firm Preston North End stance issue Paul Heckingbottomd
Preston North End manager has no interest in letting Will Keane, or any key player, leave the building before next Friday.
The Lilywhites received a bid frommwich A West Brolbion, earlier this week, which was swiftly rejected by the Deepdale outfit. The Baggies have not been back to the table since, and Keane started in the new PNE boss’ first match on Saturday. It was he who scored the vital goal of the game, too, with his 39th minute strike enough to see off Luton Town at Deepdale.
The number seven was top scorer for North End last campaign, after signing from Wigan Athletic for his second spell at the club. Heckingbottom was pleased to see the interest batted away, and is in no mood to lose anyone next week.
Post-match at Deepdale, he said on Saturday: “Yeah, there was an offer for him definitely. It’s an easier answer for me, to Peter (Ridsdale) and Will. When I have just walked through the door, you are not selling the best players. And, listen, I think the good thing and message I’ve got – which is one thing I have not said is attractive about the job – is that on decisions like that, the club have traditionally been very strong: no need to sell.
“Managers very rarely get a lot of time to build and create something. But, the time to sell is when you have got a replacement in – even as a business model. So yeah, it just doesn’t make sense for me. My job is to protect the team and so I want all our players here, plus a lot more. I know that is not always easy and you have to balance the books, but that one just didn’t make sense. I spoke with Will. He is happy here, obviously.
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