Quickly establishing himself as a tough-tackling attacking full back, McAteer didn't miss a game for the rest of the season, becoming a firm favourite with the Deepdale fans. The following season, he struggled with injury but still made 26 appearances as the club were relegated to Division Three.
McAteer quickly established himself as a formidable attacking full back who played every game in the season, earning fan support at Deepdale. The next season, though battling injuries, he managed to play 26 times before the club fell to Division Three.