Preston's defeat at home to fellow strugglers Middlesbrough was the final straw for the North End board who have sacked Darren Ferguson. Preston are now bottom of the Championship five points adrift of safety.

The son of Sir Alex took charge of Preston in January 2010 but have endured a miserable run of form this term, winning just five of their 22 games in the league.

A club statement read: "At a board meeting held today the directors of Preston North End decided to terminate the position of Darren Ferguson as manager.

"The club expressed their appreciation of the efforts made by Darren but felt that the league position represented a significant threat to the club and it was felt that a change of manager might bring better fortune."