Highly rated Alan Irivine has paid the price for Preston North End’s position in the bottom half of the Championship.
When the Scot was handed his first managerial job at Deepdale in November 2007, the Lillywhites were only outside the drop zone on goal difference. He guided them to 15th that May, before taking them to the Play-Off Semi-Finals last season where they lost to eventual winners Burnley. But another tilt at the top six has not been forthcoming so far this season, and yesterday’s late 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United, meant it was one win in 10 and they dropped below Barnsley into 16th spot.