FORMER Everton defender David Unsworth has been appointed caretaker manager of Preston North End alongside Graham Alexander after the club sacked Phil Brown.

Chorley-born Unsworth, 38, who made over 300 appearances for the Blues in two spells at Goodison, was already first team coach at Deepdale.

Brown, whose assistant Brian Horton has also left the club, joined North End in January 2011 and failed to keep them in the npower Championship.

The club hoped they would be returning at the first possible attempt but are currently languishing in 10th, five points from the play-offs, having only won one of their previous 11 outings.

Brown becomes the 11th Football League manager to lose his job this season. In a statement released by the League Managers Association, he said he was disappointed not to be given more time at Preston.

“I am very disappointed to have received the news today regarding my employment and that I will not be allowed the opportunity to achieve the ambition of promotion back to the Championship with Preston North End Football Club,” Brown said.