Everyone has been talking about the David Moyes connection after the appointment of Alan Irvine as the new Manager at Deepdale, but has anybody asked the man himself what he thinks about his second in command joining his former club?

PNE.Com did just that and he was full of positive words about his former number two: "Alan's been extremely loyal to me and played a big part in the time we've had together at Everton, so obviously I wish him well," he exclusively told the official PNE website. "It's a tremendous opportunity for him and I'll certainly be supporting him and I hope that he succeeds in his new job.

"I was able to give him one or two recommendations and tell him some things about Preston and I told him it's a great club to start when you go into your first job in management. I had a great time there and I think it's a good opportunity and a big opportunity for Alan."

And whilst Irvine jumped at the chance, although David did not stand in his way, he was disappointed to be losing his right hand man: "I'm disappointed to see Alan go, because he was a good man to have at my side, but the opportunity to join Preston was one that he felt was the right one for him at this present time.

"I hope the tradition of successful Scottish Managers at Deepdale continues. In the main Preston have had good success in the last few years, maybe more than that, and hopefully they can continue.

"I don't like to see Manager's leave and I was disappointed to see Paul Simpson go, but that's the business we are in now and I wish Alan well."

Make sure you give the same backing to Alan, by taking advantage of the slashed prices at Deepdale on Saturday - it's just £10 for adults and £5 concessions to see the team in action against Charlton, call on 0870 442 1966, go online to www.mypne.com or call in to the ticket office to book your seats.