Patrick Bauer admits it was the ambition of Preston that swayed his decision when leaving Charlton.

The Lilywhites signed the German last week on a free transfer from Addicks, beating off a host of Championship admirers, including a new offer from Charlton themselves.

Bauer, 26, who spent four years at The Valley and scored the goal that clinched promotion for Lee Bowyer’s men in the League One play-off final revealed it wasn’t easy leaving The Valley, but ultimately he wanted to join a club harbouring the same ambitions as himself.

'Never-Easy'

"It was never an easy decision," he told LancsLive.

"We got promoted and the people seemed to really like me, but I really like the ambition of Preston.

“We got promoted in the Play-Off Final and I scored in extra time, which got us promoted, which was a very special moment and I am happy that I could finish that chapter with a successful moment.

"It is four years ago since I last played in the Championship and I got injured in that season and we got relegated. I have had three seasons in League One and I think I have improved and I am ready to improve in the Championship."

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Big-draw

Blackburn Rovers and Wigan were also rumoured to be interested in the former Maritimo man but in manager Alex Neil, Preston had a boss who’s vision Bauer believed in.

"I had a few clubs interested but the conversations with the manager were really good.

"He is a very young manager and already has two promotions, one with Hamilton and one with Norwich.

“He has a good record and from my position I think he can improve my game.

“We have a good squad already and they had a bit of bad luck with injuries last season.

"There is always talks but from when I spoke to Preston I just wanted to join Preston."

Excited

Charlton’s promotion to the second tier was thought to be the only way of keeping their defensive rock at The Valley beyond his current deal, but with Lee Bowyer operating on the lowest budget in the division, losing Bauer was inevitable with the financial clout of teams in the Championship.

Bauer, despite admitting the difficulty in leaving London where he was a mainstay in the backline, said he and his family were excited to get underway at Deepdale as he returned to pre-season training this week

"It is the same everywhere, you have to fight for your place and I will do that.

"We are looking for houses but we won't rush, it has to be the right choice.

"It's very exciting.

“We are moving up from London and we are looking forward to it.

“I am really excited to meet up with the players."

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