Ferguson to be unveiled as Preston's new manager

Darren Ferguson will be appointed manager of Preston North End this week after successful talks with the Championship side's board at the weekend. The Scot, who left Peterborough United by mutual consent in November, arrives at Deepdale as a replacement for fellow countryman Alan Irvine, who was sacked last week.

Ferguson, son of the Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, joins with the club 16th in the table, and facing the prospect of a home FA Cup fourth-round tie against Premier League leaders Chelsea on 23 January.

The Preston chairman Derek Shaw had previously touted Ferguson, who won consecutive promotions in his two years in charge at London Road, as an an ideal candidate. "Darren did a fantastic job at Peterborough so he's in the frame and we would be foolish not to consider him," he said.

The 37-year-old signed a four-year contract at Peterborough in the summer after he was refused permission to speak to Reading who had expressed an interest in securing his services. But the early-season travails of Peterborough, who are still bottom of the table and five points clear of safety, saw him leave the club. In recent weeks, Ferguson was linked with the Sheffield Wednesday job and in the last few days was touted as a potential successor to Owen Coyle at Burnley.