Preston sign Greg Docherty — Preston North End have completed the signing of midfielder Greg Docherty on a contract running until the end of the season, the club confirmed. The move brings the 30-year-old to Deepdale after a spell training with Graham Alexander’s squad and featuring for the Under-21s.
Docherty had been without a club since leaving Charlton Athletic in September, following the closure of the summer transfer window. He departs the Addicks having made a single appearance this season, in a 5-1 EFL Cup defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, and now returns to the Championship with Preston.
From Hamilton to Preston: Docherty's career path
The midfielder began his professional career at Hamilton Academical before joining Rangers in 2018. Two years later he moved to Hull City, where he made over 100 appearances and helped the club win promotion from League One. He repeated that promotion achievement after signing for Charlton, where he also wore the captain’s armband.
His arrival at Preston follows a period of training under Alexander, who has been impressed by what he has seen. The Preston manager highlighted Docherty’s leadership and experience as key attributes for the squad.
Alexander: Docherty brings leadership and experience
Alexander said the club were pleased to secure the midfielder, pointing to his history as a captain and his record of winning promotions. The Preston boss described Docherty as vocal, fit and motivated — qualities he values in a professional footballer.
Docherty himself expressed enthusiasm about the move, saying he has always liked the idea of playing for Preston and is a fan of Deepdale as a stadium. He admitted that playing there as an opposition player was extremely difficult and is glad to now be on the home side.
The midfielder also said he had a really good feeling when speaking with the manager, citing Alexander’s passion for turning around the club’s current situation as a source of excitement and motivation to help change it.
Short-term opportunity at Deepdale
The deal runs until the end of the season, giving Docherty the chance to contribute immediately while offering Preston an experienced option in midfield. Having spent the past couple of weeks training with the first team and playing for the Under-21s, he is already familiar with the setup and his new teammates.
For Preston, the signing adds a player who knows the division and has been part of successful promotion campaigns. For Docherty, it represents a return to regular football after a brief spell without a club and a chance to make an impact at a ground he previously found difficult to visit as an opponent.
