Fergie Jnr takes over as manager of Preston

Darren Ferguson is set to be unveiled as the new manager of Championship side Preston North End. The 37-year-old Ferguson, son of Sir Alex, has agreed terms with the Lancashire club and will replace the recently dismissed Alan Irvine this week.

Preston chairman Derek Shaw has made no secret of his wish to see Ferguson installed as manager, saying last week that the Scot "did a fantastic job at Peterborough so he's obviously in the frame".

Ferguson, a former midfielder who had spells as Manchester United and Wolverhampton, began his coaching career with Peterborough midway through the 2007-8 season. The following season he guided them from Division Two into Division One and in 2008-09 they again won promotion, this time to the Championship.
 
But results were harder to come by in the Championship and he parted company with the club last November having notched up just 11 points in their 16 games.

Geoff Ollerton, chairman of the Preston supporters group, told the BBC Ferguson's appointment was unexpected but not unwelcome: "He has a lot to live up to but hopefully we might get two for the price of one with a little bit of help from his Dad," said Ollerton in a reference to Sir Alex, who assisted his son at Peterborough by loaning out Manchester United keeper Ben Amos for one  month.

Fergie Snr has also lent players to Preston in the past - most notably David Beckham, who had a spell at Deepdale in the 1990s.
 
With several United players currently in the doghouse with Ferguson senior following their shock exit from the FA Cup against Leeds on Sunday, perhaps the Preston faithful might soon see the likes of Gary Neville and Dimitar Berbatov running out at Deepdale.

Elsewhere in Lancashire there is more managerial upheaval, as two Premier League clubs fight over the services of Owen Coyle.

Burnley boss Coyle is wanted by Bolton Wanderers, who sacked their manager Gary Megson last week. And Coyle, who once played for Bolton, seems anxious to move. He has "reaffirmed his desire to leave" Turf Moor and the clubs are discussing compensation, with Burnley demanding £3m.

If Coyle does leave for Bolton then Burnley are said to want John Hughes, currently manager of Scottish side Hibernian, to take over.

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