By Peter O'Rourke Last updated: 5th January 2010
Ferguson: Heading to Deepdale
Skysports.com understands Darren Ferguson is poised to be named the new Preston manager.
Ferguson has been linked with a host of jobs since his surprise departure from Peterborough in November, but Preston have won the race for his services.
Preston moved for Ferguson after Alan Irvine was axed last week with North End chairman Derek Shaw admitting last week the former Manchester United midfielder was on the shortlist to replace Irvine.
Ferguson held talks with Shaw over the weekend and he is now believed to have accepted the offer to take charge at Deepdale.
Ferguson is expected to arrive in time to take charge for this weekend's game with Doncaster.

Around the Championship
Bristol City 2-2 Newcastle - Carey
Bristol City 2-2 Newcastle - Millen
Hughton awaits City response
Newcastle 3-0 Scunthorpe - Highlights
Soccerette - Jennifer
Millen sad to see Johnson go
Johnson leaves Bristol City
| Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Sunday 21st March | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| 14:00 | Leicester vs Coventry |
| 15:00 | Cardiff vs Watford |
| Tuesday 23rd March | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| 19:45 | Blackpool vs Swansea |
| 19:45 | Bristol City vs Barnsley |
| 19:45 | Doncaster vs Newcastle |
| 19:45 | Ipswich vs Plymouth |
| 19:45 | Nottm Forest vs Crystal Palace |
| 19:45 | Scunthorpe vs Peterborough |
| 20:00 | Middlesbrough vs Preston |
| 20:00 | QPR vs Derby |
| Wednesday 24th March | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| 19:45 | Cardiff vs Sheff Utd |
| 19:45 | Leicester vs Reading |
| 19:45 | Sheff Wed vs Watford |
| 19:45 | West Brom vs Coventry |
| Saturday 27th March | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| 12:45 | Crystal Palace vs Cardiff |
| 15:00 | Barnsley vs Doncaster |
| 15:00 | Coventry vs Sheff Wed |
| 15:00 | Derby vs Leicester |
| 15:00 | Peterborough vs Bristol City |
| 15:00 | Plymouth vs Blackpool |
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Saturday 20th March | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| QPR 1 - 1 Swansea | |
| Scunthorpe 2 - 1 Plymouth | |
| Doncaster 1 - 1 Sheff Utd | |
| Nottm Forest 1 - 0 Peterborough | |
| Blackpool 2 - 2 Crystal Palace | |
| Ipswich 1 - 0 Barnsley | |
| West Brom 3 - 2 Preston | |
| Bristol City 2 - 2 Newcastle | |
| Sheff Wed 0 - 0 Derby | |
| Middlesbrough 1 - 1 Reading | |
| Wednesday 17th March | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| Newcastle 3 - 0 Scunthorpe | |
| Tuesday 16th March | |
| The Coca-Cola Football League Championship | |
| Peterborough 1 - 2 Doncaster | |
| Derby 2 - 2 Middlesbrough | |
| Swansea 0 - 2 West Brom | |
| Coventry 1 - 2 Cardiff | |
| Barnsley 2 - 1 Nottm Forest | |
| Reading 1 - 0 QPR | |
| Crystal Palace 0 - 1 Leicester | |
| Sheff Utd 3 - 0 Blackpool | |
| Plymouth 3 - 2 Bristol City | |
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newcastle United | 37 | 77 |
| 2 | West Bromwich Albion | 38 | 75 |
| 3 | Nottingham Forest | 38 | 67 |
| 4 | Swansea City | 38 | 61 |
| 5 | Leicester City | 36 | 60 |
| 6 | Cardiff City | 36 | 55 |
| 7 | Sheffield United | 38 | 53 |
| 8 | Doncaster Rovers | 38 | 52 |
| 9 | Blackpool | 38 | 51 |
| 10 | Middlesbrough | 38 | 50 |
| 11 | Coventry City | 37 | 50 |
| 12 | Barnsley | 37 | 49 |
| 13 | Reading | 36 | 48 |
| 14 | Preston North End | 38 | 48 |
| 15 | Ipswich Town | 38 | 47 |
| 16 | Bristol City | 38 | 46 |
| 17 | Queens Park Rangers | 37 | 45 |
| 18 | Derby County | 38 | 44 |
| 19 | Watford | 35 | 42 |
| 20 | Scunthorpe United | 37 | 41 |
| 21 | Sheffield Wednesday | 38 | 40 |
| 22 | Crystal Palace | 37 | 39 |
| 23 | Plymouth Argyle | 37 | 34 |
| 24 | Peterborough United | 38 | 30 |
Stunning Leeds United fan Jennifer Campbell was strutting her stuff on Soccer AM this weekend.
Peter Beagrie is saddened by Gary Johnson's exit - but still has plenty to enjoy in the Football League.
Can Posh make a miracle escape? What's wrong at Cardiff? Peter Beagrie talks Football League.
West Brom got the better of Preston in a thriller, Newcastle fought back for a point at Bristol City.
Newcastle recovered from two goals down to snatch a well-earned point in a 2-2 draw at Bristol City.
Scunthorpe come from behind to seal a crucial three points over lowly Plymouth at Glanford Park.
Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell revealed an impromptu film session helped his side to a 1-1 draw at Doncaster.
Danny Murphy steered Ipswich further towards safety with the only goal in a narrow win over Barnsley.