http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_5808550,00.html
Alan Irvine has been sacked as manager of Preston North End after a disappointing recent run of results.
Deepdale chairman Derek Shaw felt he had to act after seeing the Lilywhites slide down the table with just seven points gained from their last 10 games.
The 1-0 defeat by Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Monday was the final straw for Irvine, who had been at the helm for just over two years.
Irvine, who was appointed from his post as assistant to former North End boss David Moyes at Everton, leaves the club eight points away from the relegation places, but the same margin adrift of the play-off places.
The Scot helped Preston beat the drop in his first season in charge before guiding them to last season's play-off semi-finals, where they were beaten by the Blades.
Decision
Shaw told the club's official website: "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 20th.
"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.
"I would like to place on record the club's sincere thanks to Alan for his efforts in his time here; we will make further comment and announce who is in charge for the weekend's FA Cup tie later this week."
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Alan Irvine has been sacked as manager of Preston North End after a disappointing recent run of results.
Deepdale chairman Derek Shaw felt he had to act after seeing the Lilywhites slide down the table with just seven points gained from their last 10 games.
The 1-0 defeat by Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Monday was the final straw for Irvine, who had been at the helm for just over two years.
Irvine, who was appointed from his post as assistant to former North End boss David Moyes at Everton, leaves the club eight points away from the relegation places, but the same margin adrift of the play-off places.
The Scot helped Preston beat the drop in his first season in charge before guiding them to last season's play-off semi-finals, where they were beaten by the Blades.
Decision
Shaw told the club's official website: "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 20th.
"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.
"I would like to place on record the club's sincere thanks to Alan for his efforts in his time here; we will make further comment and announce who is in charge for the weekend's FA Cup tie later this week."
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