Irvine sacked by struggling Lilywhites

The former Everton assistant boss has won many admirers since being appointed at Deepdale in November 2007 and they claimed a top-six finish last season.Yet the Lancashire outfit have struggled badly in recent weeks and chairman Derek Shaw decided to swing the axe after Monday's 1-0 loss at Sheffield United left North End with just one win in their last 10 league outings and in 16th place.Shaw said: "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 on October 20."In that period we have only scored six goals and that sort of record is not something we could allow to continue without addressing it."Preston are eight points from both the play-off places and relegation zone - and operate with one of the smallest budgets in the division.Shaw paid tribute to Irvine for his efforts."I would like to place on record the club's sincere thanks to Alan for his efforts in his time here," he said."We will make further comment and announce who is in charge for the weekend's FA Cup tie later this week."Assistant manager Rob Kelly has agreed to take charge for the clash at home to Colchester in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.Shaw told the club website: "After discussions with Robert Kelly, he has agreed to take charge of training from tomorrow (Wednesday) and will be in charge until any further announcement is made. "He will be selecting the side for Saturday's game against Colchester United."

Source: Team_Talk