PNE youth coach Jamie Hoyland speaks out on striker Rob Turner and defender Dean Stott

10:24am Sunday 11th May 2008

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Preston North End youth team coach Jamie Hoyland admitted he had no hesitation in snapping up striker Rob Turner and defender Dean Stott following the duo's release from Burnley.

The 18-year-old's were among five who were not offered professional contracts at the end of their Turf Moor apprenticeship.

But Preston were quick to offer on one-year deals, in an effort to aid their development via a new development squad'.

"I coached them both as Under 13s and Under 16s at Burnley and have kept an eye on them," said former Claret Hoyland.

"We said if they were to get released we would take them because we are trying to set up an intermediate squad of young lads and first team pros and play them in the reserves, and the manager and chairman have said we can have a gamble on it.

"Once they were told they had been released, they got in touch with us.

"It was all done on our say-so because the manager isn't looking to include them in the first team squad or anything like that. It is just a transition squad for the moment."

It is a dream come true for Preston fan Turner, whose progression at Burnley was hampered in the latter stages of his apprenticeship through an ankle problem.