Preston North End sent clear Daniel Jebbison warning after Watford FC "mistake" | OneFootball

FLW spoke to our Hornets expert for the lowdown on Jebbison's Lilywhites move

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Daniel Jebbison’s arrival at Deepdale has sparked mixed reactions - while his former manager Paul Heckingbottom has expressed strong belief in the young forward’s potential, not all Championship observers are as convinced.

The 21-year-old striker has signed for Preston North End on a season-long loan from Bournemouth, becoming the club’s fifth addition of the summer.

Jebbison will officially link up with the squad on 7 July, following his international commitments with Canada at the Gold Cup.

This move also reunites him with Heckingbottom, who coached him during his formative years at Sheffield United.

The Preston boss has spoken positively about the player’s attitude and long-term potential, underlining his excitement to work with Jebbison once again.

Watford’s scathing Daniel Jebbison review ahead of Preston North End loan deal

Jebbison arrives in the North West with a point to prove. Since breaking through at Sheffield United and showing flashes of promise during a fruitful loan at Burton Albion, the forward has struggled to find consistency.

A brief and uneventful loan spell at Watford in the first half of last season saw him fail to score in 13 appearances - an underwhelming stint that ended in an early return to the South Coast.

For the lowdown on Jebbison ahead of his move to Deepdale, Football League World spoke with resident Hornets expert Justin Beattie. We asked what PNE fans can expect of the English-born Canadian international, and whether they should be satisfied with the signing.

“Based on his time with the Hornets what Preston fans can expect - a striker that’s largely ineffective. He didn’t do anything at Watford,” Beattie told FLW.

“It was a mistake to bring him in on loan and he was returned early in the January transfer window.

“I don’t think we’ll ever remember anything about Daniel Jebbison, simply because he didn’t do anything.

“So, hopefully he will do better for Preston, but yeah, we were completely underwhelmed when he was at Watford, so I wouldn’t expect too much, is what I would say.”

Daniel Jebbison’s loan to Preston North End could be a smart Championship gamble

Jebbison is by no means a guaranteed success. His recent seasons have been inconsistent, and his time at Watford serves as a clear example of how quickly a loan move can falter when a player lacks rhythm, confidence, or the right environment.

However, Deepdale may offer precisely what he needs at this stage of his career: a stable setting, a manager who knows his strengths, and the opportunity to play regular football within a cohesive and developmental framework.

Preston are not simply acquiring the forward who failed to make an impact at Vicarage Road.

They are bringing in someone Paul Heckingbottom knows well, and whose potential he has long believed in.

In that context, the deal perhaps carries the characteristics of a low-risk, high-reward move.

Should Jebbison remain fit, rebuild his confidence, and integrate effectively into the squad, Preston could yet unlock a forward capable of making a meaningful impact at Championship level.