Darren Ferguson believes Preston will reap the benefits of the takeover by leisure tycoon Trevor Hemmings. North End were hit with a winding-up petition served by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs last month, which led to the suspension of the company's shares from trading on the Alternative Investment Market.

But Deepdale PNE Holdings Ltd, the company owned by Hemmings, have increased their shareholding in the club from 28 per cent to 51.4 per cent, triggering a mandatory offer for the remaining shares.

Ferguson told the club's official website: "I think Mr Hemmings has always been in the background anyway.

"He's been the financial force behind the club and is obviously trying to get more control of the running of the club, which is only fair considering the amount of money he has put in.

"I've spoken to him several times since I've been here and I know where we want to go as a football club."