Paul Jewell favourite for Preston post with Phil Brown on Burnley shortlist

Paul Jewell is the leading contender to take over at Preston after the dismissal of Darren Ferguson. Former Bradford and Wigan boss Jewell has been out of work since leaving Derby in 2008. Top contender: Paul Jewell is the favourite to succeed sacked Darren Ferguson at DeepdaleFerguson arrived at Deepdale in January having impressed at Peterborough but he leaves them bottom of the Championship, five points from safety. First-team coach David Unsworth has taken temporary charge.Also on the shortlist is Brian Laws, fired by Burnley. Chairman Barry Kilby acted after his side were beaten 2-0 by Scunthorpeat Turf Moor on Tuesday. It left them ninth in the Championship.StuartGray has been appointed caretaker boss but Bournemouth's Eddie Howe is the leading contender with Sean O'Driscoll, Phil Brown and Gary Megson also contenders. Taking charge: Former Hull boss Phil Brown is in the running to replace Brian Laws at Turf MoorLaws released a statement through the League Managers Association, saying: 'Naturally I am very saddened to receive the news and disappointed that I will no longer have the opportunity to achieve my ambition of reaching the Championship play-offs this season and, ultimately, promotion back to the Barclays Premier League.'I would like to take this opportunity to wish the club, the management, the players and the supporters all the very best for the future. 'I am taking advice from the LMA who will be working to reach an amicable agreement with the football club on my behalf. Accordingly, I will not make any further comment at this stage.'  Preston sack Fergie Jnr as they admit Championship relegation fearsBurnley boot out Laws after failing to lead Premier League promotion chargeThe 2010/11 managerial merry-go-round: Darren Ferguson and Brian Laws join casualty list on same day  Explore more:People: Sean O'Driscoll, Stuart Gray, Gary Megson, Paul Jewell, Brian Laws, Darren Ferguson, Phil Brown, David Unsworth

Source: Daily_Mail