"I’ll love forever" - Kaine Kesler-Hayden issues emotional parting message to Preston North End supporters | OneFootball

Kaine Kesler-Hayden has wished goodbye to Preston North End ahead of his Aston Villa return - but what lays ahead in his future?

Kaine Kesler-Hayden looks to have dropped a big hint regarding his future, after wishing an emotional farewell to Preston North End via the club’s social media platforms.

The wing-back joined the Lilywhites on a season-long loan from Aston Villa last summer and instantly became a fan favourite at Deepdale, thanks to his tireless performances and obvious quality.

Come the close of the campaign, Kesler-Hayden notched the club’s Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards, highlighting the impact he created within the camp.

It was always going to be an uphill task to keep the 22-year-old for next season given his progress, and the player himself now looks to have confirmed his departure via social media.

Kaine Kesler-Hayden sends message to Preston North End fans

Speaking via the club’s social media channels following PNE’s season-defining 2-2 draw against Bristol City, the Aston Villa loanee seemingly said a definitive goodbye to supporters.

"Hi everyone, I just wanted to say that I’m buzzing we stayed up today," Kesler Hayden said in a message recorded following the game at Ashton Gate.

“It’s what the club deserves, to be in the Championship and higher and I just wanted to say that I’m really grateful for all the support that you’ve given me throughout this season.

“It has been immense, and it has been a journey, but one that I have loved and I’ll love forever, so I just wanted to say thank you, thank you everyone.”

Kesler Hayden has offered the smallest of hopes that a renewed loan deal could be possible, but a more realistic prospect is him being sold on by Villa to a club with more financial clout than North End do.

Kaine Kesler Hayden loan deal was a successful one - PNE need to replace him adequately

As seems to be the case for Preston North End over the years, the club struck gold with a loan player who immediately endeared themselves to the fans and was a regular throughout the season.

Last year it was Liam Millar, who wowed the Deepdale crowd before joining Hull City the following summer. This time, the emotional goodbye is wished to Kesler-Hayden, whose attitude and determination were worth almost as much as his talent and skill.

Manager Paul Heckingbottom hasn’t been shy to show his affection for the wing-back, who has been an ever-present in the Lilywhites' side this season.

Speaking to the Lancashire Post following the Bristol City clash, the PNE boss exclaimed: "Kaine's played the majority of games and, as I said, might have been critical of him [against Bristol City on the final day], but he's had a fantastic loan, won our Player of the Season, the Player's Player and his game's gone on another level."

Although only in Lancashire for a year, it’s clear to see the impact Kesler-Hayden has left upon the club. He came, he saw, and he conquered.