It seems that Preston North End’s stated interest in Josh Coburn, a striker for Middlesbrough, arrived too late before the transfer deadline.
After Paul Heckingbottom was named Deepdale’s boss at the end of August, and after persistent and credible rumours circulated that Millwall was interested in the former Bristol Rovers loanee, the Lilywhites became serious candidates for the 21-year-old’s signature.
However, if the Den manager’s most recent remarks regarding the loan arrangement that sent the Boro player to the capital on August 31 are any indication, it appears that Neill Harris’ Lions were always in the driver’s seat to sign Coburn.
He said Millwall’s intentions for Coburn and how he would fit into the club, something they had obviously been working on for some time, convinced both the player and Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick to make the move happen.
Harris stated in an interview with southwarknews.co.uk that Boro had a plan in place for its players. One of the best players who has been in front of him is (Emmanuel) Latte Lathis (Coburn). Well, they signed Tommy Conway, so this isn’t me speaking for Michael.
“I believe that they sent Josh out on loan because, as far as I can tell, they felt it was appropriate for him to grow. As we attempted to accomplish with Aidomo Emakhu. You want your players to grow in a variety of ways, and Boro was eager to send Josh to us after I spoke with them and discussed our game plan and what I wanted Josh to do.
“And Josh was very excited to come because, in my opinion, his qualities fit our football club and my style perfectly.”
The day after moving down south, Coburn, who has scored 12 goals in 56 Middlesbrough appearances, scored in his Millwall debut against Sheffield Wednesday.
After Heckingbottom arrived, Preston’s first transfer window transaction was the loan of Josh Bowler, a winger for Nottingham Forest.
On September 28, PNE, who play Middlesbrough on Saturday, go to the capital to play Millwall.
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