FREDDIE Woodman says he is pleased to find a new permanent home after years of loan spells, admitting: "People call me the youngest journeyman ever!"

Woodman spent the second half of last season on loan at Cherries, but made just one appearance, failing to dislodge first-choice stopper Mark Travers.

But the 25-year-old has now left Newcastle United on a permanent deal, joining Championship outfit Preston North End.

It brings to an end his nine years in the north east, which has incorporated temporary stays away at Hartlepool United, Crawley Town, Kilmarnock, Aberdeen and Swansea City, before he joined Cherries.

Discussing his decision to leave Newcastle for good, signing a three-year deal at Deepdale, Woodman told Preston's website: "That was a big thing for me.

"I've been on so many loans, people call me the youngest journeyman ever!

"It's going to be nice to call Preston my home, especially for the next few years.

"Hopefully I can come here and really give the fans something they deserve. I hope I can have good performances here and get this team up the table."

He added: "I'm absolutely delighted. It's been a while trying to get this over the line, but delighted to be here.

"I feel very honoured to be joining such a fantastic football club and a football club that is going in the right direction.

"I spoke to the manager (Ryan Lowe) and, not that he had to sell the football club to me, but the way that he works, he's very passionate and he spoke very highly of the club.

"I've played against Preston and I've never had an easy day at Deepdale."

Woodman had originally been set to join Cherries from Newcastle on loan last summer, where he would likely have been installed as the club's new number one to replace the outgoing Asmir Begovic.

However, COVID-19 and injury issues in the Newcastle camp meant the plug was pulled on the deal and Woodman stayed where he was, until January.

By the time he arrived at Vitality Stadium, Travers was in fine form, meaning former England under-21 international Woodman's only appearance came in the infamous 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Boreham Wood.

Speaking in March, Cherries boss Scott Parker told the Daily Echo he was keen to keep Woodman at the club beyond the end of the season.

He said: "There’s definitely that possibility.

"I’ve been very impressed with Fred.

"Of course, I’m sure Fred would’ve wanted to come here and obviously he wants to play. I want that from all my players. Every player wants to play.

"Due to Travs’ fine form and how well he’s done, that’s not been the case and he’s had to sit tight.

"But certainly if there is a possibility, then that’s a conversation we’ll have towards the back end of the season regarding that."

But Woodman has now opted for a switch to Lancashire.

"The manager, when I spoke to him, they (play-offs) are firmly in his sights," said Woodman.

"So hopefully I can bring a little bit of experience. I've spent three seasons in the Championship and have managed to get to the play-offs twice and then get promoted with Bournemouth as well."

Discussing Woodman's arrival, Lowe said: "We were aware Freddie wanted a new challenge and I’m really pleased we’ve got it done.

"We've beaten off some competition for Freddie as he's seen what we're trying to build here at Preston North End.

“We feel he’s going to be one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship."