Everton boss Dave Moyes had a key role in his assistant Alan Irvine moving to former club Preston North End.

Moyes has retained close links with the Deepdale outfit since he left for the Premiership five years ago.

And he played a key role in convincing the North End board - and Irvine - the move was right.

Scot Irvine, 49, has waited 15 years for a management chance having also coached at Blackburn and Newcastle.

He said: "David is a very honest man and was terrific about it - I can't thank him enough.

"He spoke in glowing terms about Preston and didn't have a bad word to say about them.

"He felt it was a great opportunity for me."

After missing the play-offs by one place last season, Preston are now struggling fourth from bottom of the Championship.

Boss Paul Simpson was dismissed last week.