Unsworth joined Preston's backroom staff in September 2009

Preston have appointed first-team coach David Unsworth as caretaker boss following Darren Ferguson's sacking.

Former Everton defender Unsworth, 37, will take charge for Saturday's Championship clash at home to Derby.

The club also confirmed assistant manager Kevin Russell has been sacked from his position at Deepdale.

Ferguson, 38, was dismissed on Wednesday, less than a year after taking charge, with North End bottom of the Championship.

Ferguson told the League Managers Association website: "It is obviously very disappointing. More time was needed to achieve our objectives.

"I believed in what we were doing at the club from top to bottom and that we had the ability to turn things around."

Chairman Maurice Lindsay said Unsworth's appointment was a good one for Preston.

606: DEBATE Have your say on this temporary appointment

"We are delighted David has agreed to take care of the club at a difficult time - it couldn't be in better hands," Lindsay stated.

"David is a Preston man. He loves the club and is one of the most enthusiastic people in football. He will have the full support of the club and the players."

Unsworth joined Preston as an under-13 but signed schoolboy terms with Everton when he turned 14.

Meanwhile Manchester United, managed by Ferguson's father Sir Alex, have recalled Joshua King and Ritchie de Laet from their respective loan deals at Deepdale.

The duo were due to be available to Preston for their next two games but United have exercised a clause allowing them an early recall.

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