Wednesday 9 January 2019 18:11, UK
Preston North End have signed Middlesbrough goalkeeper Connor Ripley on a three-and-a-half year deal.
The 25-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan at Accrington Stanley, but was recalled by his parent club for the transfer to Deepdale to take place.
Ripley, a former England youth international, joins for an undisclosed fee and has been given the No 25 shirt ahead of Saturday's game with Swansea City, subject to clearance from the footballing authorities.
"I've played here before and I have really enjoyed the stadium, it is beautiful," Ripley said. "The fans are good and I'm looking forward to getting started now.
"It is a special position. Not many people like to be a goalkeeper and not many can be. Unfortunately, there is only one position and we all have to fight for it. Declan Rudd is a great goalkeeper and I need to fight for my position.
"I have not come here to do nothing. I am here to play and to play a pivotal part in the season. I will do my best on the training pitch and try and prove to the players and the manager I should be in the team."
Ripley is Preston's fourth January signing, joining Josh Ginnelly, Jayden Stockley and Brad Potts.
"I have known of Connor for a while," said manager Alex Neil. "He was up at Motherwell as a kid and he is highly thought of at Middlesbrough. He will add competition for places for us.
"He is a bubbly character and hopefully that will rub off on some of the other lads as well and he can settle into the squad and show what he can do."
