Alan Irvine has spoken to the official website and said that one of the major factors in his decision to stay at Deepdale was his relationship with chairman Derek Shaw. The 51-year-old Scot told PNE.com that the respect between the pair was vital to the continuing progress that has been ongoing since his arrival in November 2007.

"I think the relationship between a chairman and a manager is a key relationship and we have a very good relationship," said the gaffer after returning from a family holiday. "I understand the way the Club has to be run and I respect the way the Club has to be run and I knew that right from the start.

"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. There's no doubt the fact it is good between us is a major factor in the decision that I made."

Irvine flew back into the country on Monday evening unaware of how much a media frenzy had been whipped up about his possible move to the west midlands: "I think there has been an awful lot going on here than there was where I was, he continued. "I wasn't really fully aware of the extent of the speculation that was going on across here because I didn't get anything on television; I saw the odd piece in newspapers I got whilst I was out on holiday, but very little.

"As the chairman has already stated, the situation with my contract is common with a lot of contracts, where there is a clause that there will be compensation in the event of me going to another club. That then allows other clubs to approach the club and ask permission to speak to me. That permission was granted, which I think is right, because it is better for people to have the opportunity to talk to anybody who is interested in speaking to them, but it doesn't mean that it is a fait accompli that you will move.

"I still had a decision to make after having a chat with the people at West Brom and the decision was that I wanted to stay at Preston.

"I am very lucky to have this job.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the job; I really like working with the chairman.

"We have made progress during the time that I have been at the Club and I hope we will continue to make progress.

"I feel that it is important that you speak to people who want to speak to you. That happened when I came to Preston in the first place; it happened when I went to Everton before that and it happened when I went to Newcastle.

"If somebody else comes up and, as long as they meet the terms of the compensation agreement that the Club have in place, if they want to speak to me I would of course respect that and go and speak to them, but it doesn't mean it is definitely something that happens.

"I thought about the situation at West Brom and I decided that I wanted to stay at Preston.

"I do feel that there is a job to be done here, without any question. I know it is not an easy job.

"I know it is going to be extremely difficult what we did last year, but I am also very grateful to Preston for the chance that I was given. They were the first people who gave me the chance to be a manager and that's a factor."

Irvine also paid tribute to the players, stating that without their efforts the situation wouldn't have arrived in the first place: "There is no doubt that the players have been the key people as far as this situation goes. Managers aren't successful if the players aren't successful and the credit goes to the players.

"I said when I got the manager of the month award at the end of the season that it shouldn't really be called that; it is down to a lot of people, not least the players and the staff has contributed greatly as well. My reputation is very much dependant on how the players perform and they have performed extremely well and as a result of that it has helped my reputation as a manager. I am fully aware of that and appreciate that and know that it is not about me, but about lots of people."

PNE.com will have more from the North End manager and this interview later on, where he reveals another massive boost ahead of the start of pre-season training on Wednesday.