Preston generally scout their targets over a period of months if not years before securing a signature on a contract. Jamie Thomas falls well outside the standard recruitment pattern.
Thomas had recently been on the books at Burnley in their under 23's system but last season he was playing non-league football. At the start of this pre-season he was playing for Bamber Bridge.
In the annual friendly between Preston and Bamber Bridge the unknown Thomas impressed with two goals. Off the back of that performance Preston offered the attacking player a trial.
Thomas featured against Accrington Stanley and trained with the club during pre-season. Just prior to the start of the season he agreed a contract with the club.
It is a gamble by the club but a great opportunity for Thomas. He has certainly made an impression in pre-season and will see this as an opportunity to establish himself in professional football.
Preston have been limited going forward in recent times. They have struggled to create and score goals. Hopefully Thomas will offer a different dimension and add some goals to the team.