Irvine `shocked` by Deepdale axe

Sheffield Wednesday manager Alan Irvine has revealed he was left "shocked" following his axing from Preston. 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."

Source: PA