Preston manager Alan Irvine revealed his relationship with chairman Derek Shaw was a major factor in rejecting the advances of Coca-Cola Championship rivals West Brom.

Irvine had emerged as the clear favourite to land the role at The Hawthorns as the Baggies sought to replace Tony Mowbray, but the former Everton assistant boss declared his commitment to North End and Albion instead appointed MK Dons manager Roberto Di Matteo

Irvine told Preston's official website: "I think the relationship between a chairman and a manager is a key relationship and we have a very good relationship. I understand and respect the way the club has to be run and I knew that right from the start."

He added: "I think Derek understands the way that I work and tries to help in every way that he possibly can. That relationship is one which is very good and one that has to be good."

Meanwhile Irvine has been handed a boost after all of his players were passed fit for the start of pre-season training.

Michael Hart, Callum Davidson, Richard Chaplow and Neal Trotman were all reduced to the sidelines through injury for the closing weeks of last season but all four men have been given the green light to be put through their paces

"Everyone knows we missed a lot of players for a lot of last season, some for the whole season, some for huge parts of the season," Irvine said. "To be starting with everybody fit is obviously a terrific position for us to be in. I hope we are still saying the same when it comes to the start of the season."