Three weeks ago, Preston North End chairman Peter Ridsdale confirmed that the Lancashire outfit had already ‘agreed’ terms with Leeds United regarding a potential permanent move for Sam Greenwood.
Music to the ears of Preston supporters, you would assume.
Sam Greenwood had been a shining light in the first-half of the campaign at Deepdale, after all, taking his tally to seven goals in all competitions. In fact, as recently as January, Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom was fielding questions about Leeds potentially recalling Greenwood in the winter windwo.
And while he dismissed those rumours, the fact that such a question was being asked in the first place was testament to just how influential the on-loan midfielder had been across the Pennines.
Flash forward to the final week of February, however, and the excitement surrounding Greenwood earlier in the campaign had turned to frustration of late.
In the build-up to Saturday’s trip defeat at Coventry City, the Leeds United loanee had scored only once in his last 18 Preston appearances. And that came from the penalty spot. Following another blank in the West Midlands, that is now no non-penalty goals in 19 games.
Yet, Heckingbottom feels there is a rather obvious explanation for that recent dip in form.
Paul Heckingbottom explains Sam Greenwood dip as Leeds United loanee struggles
After starting 16 of a potential 17 Championship matches either side of a gruelling winter schedule – only missing the 1-1 draw with parent club Leeds in December – the one-time Elland Road boss believes that Greenwood is simply suffering from a bit of burn-out.
“I just think he was one who probably played the most out of everyone early on in the season,” Heckingbottom explains, Preston not only demanding a lot physically but tactically too from the versatile 23-year-old.
“[We have been] using him down the middle, up top, we tucked him off the side as one of the 10s… Then, Luton away as one of three midfielders when we were really short.
“And he doesn’t hold back. His physicals are always right up there. So, yes, we know what he gives and it’s anything to play and then it’s anything to win. But, at the same time, we want him and we need him at the top end of the pitch creating chances, taking chances and helping us win games.”
Greenwood admits he’s open to staying at Preston North End
Peter Ridsdale insists that Heckingbottom and Sam Greenwood himself will both decide what his future holds come the end of the season. Leeds have reportedly put plans in place for Preston to secure a permanent deal to the tune of a potential bargain fee of £1.5 million.
“Obviously, I always focus on the present and focus on each game as it comes,” Greenwood said recently. “Each season goes so quickly.
“I’m going to see what happens at the end of the season and I’ll obviously take into big consideration [staying at] Preston. It’s a big decision.
“I’m in the present at the minute and I’ll come to that at the end of the season. It’s just one of them. I don’t really think about that at the minute. I just want to focus on my football, play, score as many as I can, just make things happen for this team.”
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