New Preston boss Alan Irvine's main aim is to preserve his side's Championship status.
New PNE boss is ready for 'big job'
New Preston manager Alan Irvine has set his sights on Championship survival this season.
Irvine replaced Paul Simpson on Tuesday and now faces a tough task to lift a beleaguered North End side who hover above the relegation zone only on goal difference.
"It's a big job initially to get the team out of the position they are in at the moment," the former Everton assistant manager told his new club's official website.
"I believe that the target is somewhere in the region of 53 points and that means that we have got to get another 38 points from the remaining 30 games.
"There is a squad that is capable of being much higher in the league."
The Scot, who took the Deepdale job after more than five years on Merseyside, has been boosted by the well-wishes of his former boss, David Moyes.
"I would like to thank Alan for all the hard work he has done here, and for all the help he has given me during the last five years," said Moyes.
"He did a very good job for us, and the opportunity to go to Preston was one that I couldn't deny him."
Irvine takes charge of his first game on Saturday, when high-flying Charlton visit Deepdale.
