[themaclad]

Preston North End are delighted to announce Josh Bowler has joined the club on loan from Nottingham Forest.

The winger, who has made 134 appearances in the Championship, will spend the remainder of the 2024/25 season at Deepdale.

Josh will take the No.40 shirt and will first be available to feature against Middlesbrough on Saturday 14th September.

Josh said: “I’m very happy. I’m looking forward to getting started and playing football again and enjoying it.

“After speaking to the manager about how he wants to play and what his plan is for me, it was really good and it was something I was looking forward to.

“It’s obviously going to be a little bit different to what the fans are used to seeing but it’s going to be exciting because it’s a forward-thinking, aggressive style of play which I’m ready to get playing.

“I’m an out and out attacker. I love attacking. I love beating players, getting on the ball and running with it, and getting fans off their seat which I think is something going out of the game.”



Josh started his professional career with Queens Park Rangers before joining Premier League side Everton.

Following a loan spell with Hull City, the 25-year-old signed for Blackpool and scored seven goals in the 2021/22 campaign, and as a result earned a move back to the top flight with Nottingham Forest.

Further loans with Olympiacos and Blackpool followed, and his most recent spell saw him make 39 appearances in the 2023/24 season with Cardiff City.

Manager Paul Heckingbottom said: “We’re really pleased to get Josh’s loan over the line because he’s a different type of player who adds something new to the squad.

“He’s experienced at this level and he was really keen to come and work with us, which is a really good sign.

“He’ll obviously not be available for Saturday’s game but we’re looking forward to getting to work with him throughout the international break.”