Preston North End have named Darren Ferguson as their new Manager, he replaces Alan Irvine who left the club last week.

Ferguson, who has been out of work since leaving London Road in November, has signed a three-and-a-half year deal and arrives at Deepdale with his former coaches from Peterborough United Kevin Russell and Scott Taylor.

Ferguson always appeared the first choice of North End Chairman Derek Shaw, who first spoke about Ferguson on December 29th when asked if the 37-year-old was a possible replacement:

"Yes, of course. Darren Ferguson did a fantastic job at Peterborough so he's obviously in the frame.

"We would be foolish not to consider him."

Ferguson began his managerial career in January 2007 when he took over at Peterborough United, after a playing career which began at Manchester United and included spells at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Wrexham.

He guided the Posh to a 10th place finish that season before leading them to promotion to League 1 at the end of his first full campaign, as they finished second in the League 2 table.

A successive promotion followed as Peterborough finished second in League 1 in May 2009, their promotion to the second tier of English football confirmed on 25 April after a 1-0 win at Colchester United.

Ferguson will be unveiled at a press conference today at 4pm today.

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