"It was more the thought of the change that was the hard part, to be honest."
The words of Alan Browne as he reflects on the closing of a ten year chapter and the start of a new one.
Sunderland swooped quickly to snap up the seasoned Championship campaigner amid interest from fellow second tier club, the Republic of Ireland international bringing some much needed nous and experience to a young midfield engine room.
READ MORE: Day one of Sunderland's pre-season tour diary in Alicante
"All the what ifs," he continued. "But I've settled in from day one, really good people across the club which just makes it that bit easier for me. I'd been at Preston for so long that I'd almost become part of the furniture so it was a big decision and a big move but one so far that I'm happy with.
"It was a big decision and I didn't rush into it. I took my time with it and wanted it to be right for me and my family. It's huge for us to uproot but they've backed me and agreed that it's a big move.
"I'm 29 now and while I feel I've got a lot of years left in me, it's an important stage for me. You've always got something to prove and I want to make a good start.
"Ten years is a long time and it’s easy, it almost became too easy [to stay put]. You’re settled and you’re comfortable and I’ve never taken that gamble of looking for a different club. I’ve always been happy at Preston.
"I’ve never batted an eyelid at any interest or anything. I kind of wanted that new challenge and to step out of my comfort zone, come to a new club and see how well I can do, hopefully get the team promoted."
Browne leaves a North End side that finished seven points ahead of Sunderland in tenth place, a further ten points adrift of the play-offs. However, the difference in league position last season had little baring on his decision to move to the Stadium of Light.
"Once I heard Sunderland were interested, I was quite keen to make it happen," he said. "The size of the club played a huge part, it's one of, if not the biggest club in the Championship and just in England in general. That was a massive pull.
"Then it was the quality within the squad. I know for their standards it was a rough season in the end last time out but the year before they were in the play-offs. With the talent in the squad, I think that's a minimum of where the club should be and that's what excited me.
"I don't see any reason why we can't aim for that this year because even from playing against them, they're top quality players and I didn't like playing against them. It's nice to be alongside them and the quality is there in training."
READ MORE: Key talking points from Sunderland's pre-season double header
No stranger to coming up against Sunderland in recent seasons, Browne reflects back on the Lilywhites 2-1 win over the Black Cats at Deepdale last season on August 12. Tony Mowbray's side far superior in terms of expected goals and shots on target, and yet it was the hosts who claimed all three points - a theme which would become a common occurrence throughout the campaign.
Browne said: "If you look back to that first game last season, they battered us and we knew it. I think that's the joys of the Championship and maybe I can add a bit of value to this squad, games like that where you can smell blood.
"You need to take your opportunities and put it to bed. That game was an example where we should never have won but maybe we had that experience amongst the squad where you stay in the game and find those moments.
"That can be the difference, and winning those games can help your momentum. Losing them can deflate you."
It was widely accepted that Sunderland were in need of some Championship nous this summer, with Simon Moore and Browne the first faces through the door to address that balance.
While the versatile midfielder accepts he's been brought in with that in mind, he acknowledges that respect will have to be earned both ways.
He said: "I know the experience thing has been spoken about a lot but as a player, you aren't going to come in and just start running the show, right? You have to gain that respect first. But if something needs saying, I'll say it and that's whether I'm in the team or not.
"I'd say as well that while it's a young squad, there is quite a bit of experience in there. They've got games under their belt, been involved in play-off campaigns. It's just about understanding that it's a long season and you can never throw the towel in.
"That's something I've learned over the years, no matter how good or bad you start - it's a completely different table come the end of the season. You have to grind through the bad spells and stick together as a team."
Recommended reading:
"When you start anywhere, I think you want to get off to a good start," Browne added as he began to outline his hopes for the new season. "I think when you’re at a club for so long, fans have this perception.
"I loved my time at Preston, and I think most of the fans liked me, but when things are going bad, the longer you’re there, the more blame you get.
"Whereas, when you come to a new place, it’s important to get a new start because that’s what you’ll be judged on and not anything from past years or experiences.
"It’s a new start, a fresh start and fresh opinions. It’s exciting for me to see how well I can do and hopefully fans can take to me quite quickly."
Read the rules here