Ben Pearson joins Alex Neil again as former PNE duo reunite at Stoke City
Ben Pearson has completed his move to Stoke City and highlighted the influence of former Preston North End boss Alex Neil.
Not all PNE fans pine for Neil but some still love the Scot even more than two years since his departure.
Neil is now with Championship rivals Stoke City and he is getting the band back together.
Stoke secured the services of PNE coach Paul Gallagher just a few days ago as he reunites with former North End boss Neil.
There have been rumours of a move for departing PNE midfielder Daniel Johnson as well as former North End defender Ben Davies.
It surely can’t be long until Darnell Fisher, Callum Robinson and Jordan Hugill end up being linked with Stoke at this rate!
Neil has though secured one big signing as Stoke have confirmed the permanent signing of midfielder Ben Pearson.
The former Manchester United talent was a key part of Neil’s PNE side and the heartbeat of his midfield.
Neil lost Pearson to Bournemouth in January 2021 and ended up losing his job as PNE boss just a few months later.
Losing Pearson and Davies in the same month ultimately signalled the end of an era at North End and Neil’s departure sealed that once and for all.
Pearson and Neil reunited for the second half of last season as Stoke pounced to take the midfielder on loan from Bournemouth.
Neil has now landed his man in a permanent move, securing Pearson on a four-year contract.
Pearson highlighted in the influence of Neil and his trust in him, believing that his approach to the game can bring Championship success.
Stoke will be aiming for the playoffs this season and having missed out on the top six at PNE, Neil and Pearson will be desperate to do it with the Potters.
“From the end of last season, I have held a desire to return here, and I am glad that the opportunity has now materialised for me,” said Pearson. “I think the manager has a trust in me and what I can deliver on the pitch for him in terms of my consistency, work rate and execution of the gameplan.”
“That trust is reciprocated, and I firmly believe he has a playing style and methods that will be successful in the Championship. I really appreciated the support from the fans during my four months at the Club last season.”
“It has been a nice feeling hearing how much they wanted me to return, and I want to repay them for that because, both personally and collectively, I know we can improve significantly on last season,” he added.
