Irvine reveals 'shock' over PNE axe

Irvine, 51, was surprisingly dismissed despite saving the Lancashire outfit from relegation in 2007/08 and guiding them into the play-offs last season. He has since made a rapid return to management after being installed as Brian Laws' successor at Hillsborough. Asked about the manner of his departure from Preston, Irvine said: "I was shocked, then I had the angry stage. "I quickly moved on because of the staggering level of support from people in the game."