Preston chairman dismisses Billy Davies manager link

Davies was appointed Nottingham Forest manager in January 2009

Preston chairman Maurice Lindsay says the club have not approached Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies about the vacant position at Deepdale.

Davies, who was in charge at North End between 2004 and 2006, has been linked with the job following Darren Ferguson's sacking on Wednesday.

"Anyone putting false money on Billy have made a mistake," Lindsay told BBC Radio 5 live.

"But no decision has been made and no approaches made to anyone."

Lindsay added: "He's contracted to another club so whether there's been a late application I don't know.

"Billy has not applied for the job but all the applicants that are now shortlisted are well known and have considerable experience."

Former Everton, Sheffield United and Burnley defender David Unsworth is currently in caretaker charge of the club, who lie bottom of the Championship.

The 37-year-old became first-team coach under Ferguson and is believed to be among the candidates to replace the Scot.

606: DEBATE

Billy Davies .... ARE YOU JOKING... why on earth would he want to take on a club with no squad and little talent, not exactly great for his CV.

NEXTOWNEROFPNE

"Admittedly he's a newcomer," said Lindsay. "But we don't have to give it to someone outside the club because it could still be David's to win.

"I think you have to give caretaker manager's a chance otherwise you shouldn't give them the position in the first place.

"David admits he's only been in management a year and it isn't long since he retired from playing, but no-one's ruled in and no-one's ruled out."

Meanwhile, a number of loan signings returned to their parent clubs following Ferguson's departure.

Defender Ritchie de Laet and forward Josh King were both recalled by Manchester United, while Stoke decided to end loan spells involving midfielders Michael Tonge and Danny Pugh early.

"It would be remiss of me if I didn't say I was disappointed," said Lindsay. "But I have gone on record to say both United and Stoke made it quite clear that they could recall any of the players on a 24-hour basis.

"The timing was regrettable but we knew the rules when we signed them and can't really grumble now.

"I know people have gone for the theory it was because Darren left I have no comment to make on that, other than Manchester United were very good to us when they let us use their training facilities during the recent poor weather."