Kelly takes reins at Preston after Irvine is shown the door

Preston North End have announced assistant manager Robert Kelly is to take temporary charge following the sacking of Alan Irvine yesterday.

The Championship club axed the Scot little more than six months after he guided Preston to the play-offs. However, they have struggled in recent weeks and Monday's defeat by Sheffield United left them in 16th place, with just seven wins all season.

Chairman Derek Shaw said: "After discussions with Robert Kelly, he has agreed to take charge until any further announcements are made. He will be selecting the side for Saturday's game against Colchester United. The decision was not taken lightly.

"Alan did an extremely good job in keeping us in the Championship and took us to the play-offs last season. However, after a good start to the 2009-10 campaign we have only picked up seven points from a possible 30 since our last away victory against Sheffield Wednesday in October. In that period we have only scored six goals and that is not something we could allow to continue."

Beckham off on the right foot

David Beckham has recovered from a bruised right ankle bone and is in fine fettle, a Milan doctor said yesterday after the England midfielder's second day of training since returning to the Serie A side. "I found David Beckham really well," said Dr Massimo Manara. "Even though a year has passed, he looked to be at the same level as a year ago to me. The problem he had with his right foot in previous weeks is resolved." Beckham has returned to Milan on loan from MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy to boost his World Cup chances.

Stojkovic makes loan switch

Sporting Lisbon goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic has joined Wigan on loan until the end of the season. The 26-year-old Serbia international spent part of last season on loan at Spanish side Getafe. His arrival will cover for the loss of second-choice stopper Richard Kingson, who will head to the African Nations Cup with Ghana.

Toni Roma-bound after fall-out

Luca Toni said yesterday he is "more than convinced" that he will join Roma from Bayern Munich in the January transfer window. The 32-year-old Toni has been out of favour with Munich coach Louis van Gaal since the pair fell out earlier in the season, and Munich president Uli Hoeness has said Toni can leave on a free transfer.