Irvine takes Preston opportunity

After agreeing a compensation package with Everton, the former Toffees' assistant manager was unveiled as Paul Simpson's successor, having signed a three-and-a-half year deal.

The 49-year-old Scot had been at Goodison Park for the past five years working alongside former Lilywhites boss David Moyes and admitted it was a wrench to leave the Premier League side but insisted this was something "he had to do".

Irvine said: "Management was something I had to do before I finished in football. It was not something I had anticipated quite so soon but you have to take great opportunities when they come along.

"I have left a fantastic job at Everton, where I was extremely happy and well looked after, and I would not have done that if I didn't feel that this was the right job for me.

"I have had a long apprenticeship, 15 years as a coach, to get to this position. I have had a thorough grounding and have gleaned a lot. I now can take what I learned and put my own ideas into practice."

Chairman Derek Shaw insisted Irvine was always his number one choice following Simpson's departure last week and moved quickly to negotiate with Everton for Irvine's release.

He follows a growing list of Scottish managers that have been in charge at Deepdale. Names such as Billy Davies, now managing Derby in the Premier League, and of course Irvine's most trusted ally - David Moyes.

Shaw said: "I contacted David (Moyes) last week and he was very helpful. I had to wait a while to get Alan in place because (Everton chairman) Bill Kenwright was away but we managed to agree an appropriate compensation package.

"I think the compensation figure would have been bigger if he had gone to a rival. Bill and David both appreciated this was something Alan wanted to do and helped him. I have no doubts that Alan is right for the job."