Hug’s life’s good for Jordan the goal hero
PRESTON extended their unbeaten run to six as Jordan Hugill scored the only goal at Deepdale.
And boss Alex Neil moved quickly to quash any rumours Hugill will be leaving the club after he agreed terms for the transfer of Motherwell’s top scorer Louis Moult for an undisclosed fee last week.
Hugill was at the centre of of much speculation in the summer, having handed in a transfer request.
However, he ended up staying at the club and notched his ninth goal of the season against the Blades when he volleyed home in the 58th minute.
“He is not leaving the club. We are not interested in selling him at the moment,” said Neil.
“Louis is coming as competition for that spot. We are trying to improve our squad. Louis brings goals, he is a clinical finisher and scores all different types of goals.
“We were a bit light at the top of the pitch. He works hard, is a good lad and he’s everything I would associate with Preston in terms of being young, hungry and wanting to get better.”
Victory over out-of-form United moved Preston to within two points of the play-offs.
“It’s been a good spell for us,” added Neil. “We’ve come up against a lot of different challenges so we are delighted with what we have done.
The visitors, meanwhile, continue to look for a win having gone five games without victory.
Manager Chris Wilder said: “I don’t like the spike that’s appeared in the team over the last few weeks. I don’t enjoy it. I am one for a consistent approach and performances and we are not getting it.
“I think some of them may have taken their eye off the ball a little bit. If that’s the case they had better get ready for the consequences.
“There have been a lot of plaudits gone to the club and to the players and the staff so we have to find an answer.
“Whether that’s personnel or my attitude towards them, we have to find a way. We need to improve.”