 He was loaned out to Preston North End, but only made two starts for the "Lambs", who went on to win the Second Division title under David Moyes.He still could not get a run in the Huddersfield team in 2000–01, despite the arrival of Lou Macari in October.He was loaned out to Port Vale for four weeks on 15 September, in a move that reunited him with former boss Brian Horton, but could only make four goalless Second Division appearances for the "Valiants".