DARREN Ferguson has been appointed as manager of Ipswich Town's Coca-Cola Championship rivals Preston on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

DARREN Ferguson has been appointed as manager of Ipswich Town's Coca-Cola Championship rivals Preston on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

The 37-year-old son of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had been a free agent since leaving Peterborough in November and succeeds Alan Irvine at Deepdale.

Irvine was sacked last week despite saving the club from relegation in 2007/08 and guiding them into the play-offs last season.

Kevin Russell and Scott Taylor, who were part of Ferguson's backroom staff at London Road, have also joined North End.