Ex-Huddersfield Town loan frontman Jermaine Beckford has signed a two-year deal with Championship new boys Preston North End and will join the club on July 1, once his Bolton Wanderers deal has expired.
Beckford plundered a hat-trick for the Deepdale outfit in the League One play-off final to secure promotion for another former Town man Simon Grayson and his charges following three across two legs against Chesterfield in the semi-final.
The forward scored a stunning long-range strike to beat Town goalkeeper Joe Murphy, who had joined the Spireites on an emergency loan, in the second leg at Deepdale as Grayson's men ran out comfortable 3-0 winners before the emphatic 4-0 success over Swindon Town in the final.
The 31-year-old scored 18 goals in his first season with the club, including six in total during the play-offs and has a proven record at this level, as Town fans will be able to attest.
Beckford netted nine in all competitions during his season-long stay at the John Smith's Stadium as he forged a prolific partnership with current Town frontman James Vaughan.
He endeared himself to the Preston faithful recently by giving a young supporter a signed shirt after it appeared he had one seemingly snatched away following the Wembley win.
Upon signing for the club, he said: "The management are a big reason, we have just a good understanding and relationship and it was a no brainer really.
"I had a great time last season and everybody here, the staff, players, have just been amazing with me and it's somewhere that feels like home.
"My aim is to get as high up the league as possible, hopefully push for promotion but first and foremost it's about making sure that we do things right, like we did last year.
"Last season was a great season for us and for me I just want to make sure that I give everything that I can give and do the best that I can do."
