PNE clinch Fulham loan deal

By Brian Lofrumento | 1st February 2011

Preston North End have clinched the signing of Fulham striker Eddie Johnson on loan. The American international has found playing time hard to come by at Craven Cottage, and his loan move to PNE represents a chance to prove himself in England.

“He has been renowned for goalscoring at many levels,” PNE boss Phil Brown said of his new loanee. “Unfortunately though, his chances to do so in the Premier League have been few and far between.

“We have monitored Eddie since the start of January when I received the text message saying that he was available. We just had to sit back and watch people come and go, as it were, and see opportunities for strikers coming and going.

“Fortunately, all of the ducks were in line to sign Eddie before the deadline closed.”

Preston North End fans will be hoping that Johnson can emulate the success of fellow American Brian McBride at Deepdale. McBride foraged the way for many Americans after him in England, and his first introduction to English shores came with a successful loan stint for David Moyes’ side in 2000. Like McBride, Johnson has been a clinical finisher on the international stage, and he’ll now be tasked with helping PNE get out of the relegation zone.

The Lilywhites currently sit in last place in the Championship table, but are just six points from safety with a game in hand. They take on Barnsley later today before playing host to Bristol City this weekend, in what should be Johnson’s home debut.