Westley leaves Preston

Preston have confirmed that Graham Westley has stepped down as manager after 13 months in charge.

The 44-year-old's departure from the club comes after Tuesday night's 3-1 defeat at Yeovil. After the loss at Huish Park, the former Stevenage boss had insisted that he would not resign from his post.

"I'm a professional person and when things aren't working it is my responsibility to do what I can to put them right," he said after the game. "I have never walked away from anything in my life and don't expect me to."

Westley leaves the Lilywhites just five points above the npower League One relegation zone, with only one win in the competition since November.

An official club statement said: "Preston North End Football Club can confirm that Graham Westley has left his position as manager.

"Graham oversaw a fundamental change in reducing the wage bill in line with the financial fair play criteria and brought together a whole new squad of players last summer.

"After an initially encouraging start to the season regrettably results have not been acceptable and the Board felt that a change of manager was the only way forward.

"Graham leaves with our thanks and best wishes for the future.

"An announcement regarding interim management arrangements will be made on Thursday 14th February."