This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Rewind’ series, this content strand is where we rewind back to a particular moment at a club, assess the initial reaction from the fans, and then proceed to evaluate and reflect on whether fans were right to react in that way…

It was a relatively quiet summer in terms of incomings for Preston North End this year.

Throughout the course of the transfer window, the Lancashire side would bring in just four players either permanently or on-loan, as they looked to build on another mid-table finish in the Championship last season.

One of those who did make the move to Deepdale however was Patrick Bauer, with the German centre-back joining the club on a three-year deal following the expiration of his contract at Charlton Athletic.

It had been a memorable final season at The Valley for Bauer, with his last-minute winner in the League One play-off final claiming promotion back to the Championship for Charlton, and many Preston fans were optimistic the 26-year-old could have a similarly positive impact for their club going forward.

Already at this early stage of the season, it does seem as though Bauer has made himself a key figure in Preston's side.

So far this campaign, Bauer has been an ever-present in the starting lineup for Alex Neil's side, and it is perhaps no surprise that has been the case.

Having established an effective partnership with fellow centre back Ben Davies - who has recently been linked with a move to several Premier League clubs, itself arguably a reflection on the way Bauer has helped his new teammate - Preston have enjoyed a remarkable start to the campaign.

As it stands, the Lancashire club are currently third in the Championship standings, and are yet to lose a league game on their own turf this season.

That start to the season is something that Bauer has played a big part in, with his significant physical presence and tough tackling helping Preston to keep three clean sheets so far this season, with only five teams in the division conceding fewer than Bauer and his teammates.

With Bauer also getting the equaliser in a 3-3 draw with Bristol City to help preserve that unbeaten record at home, it is perhaps no surprise that he has already made himself a popular figure among the Preston faithful.

While that lack of activity in the transfer window may have been something of a concern for those Preston fans, the signing of Bauer was one of the high points of the close season for them, and now the action has resumed, he certainly hasn't disappointed.

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