Preston have confirmed Phil Brown is the new manager of North End, signing an 18-month contract with the Championship side.
The former Hull boss has been out of work since leaving the Tigers and had been linked with the vacant positions at Championship sides Burnley and Crystal Palace.
However, Brown has decided to take on the challenge of trying to save Preston from the drop and will meet up with the players on Thursday ahead of the FA Cup tie with Nottingham Forest.
The 51-year-old says he is excited at the challenge presented by Preston and is looking forward to managing a big club.
"Preston North End are a big club with great history and tradition and I am really looking forward to the challenge and opportunity," Brown told the club's website.
"I would like to thank the chairman, owner and board of directors for putting their faith in me and whilst I know the current position is one we do not want to be in, I have every belief in the players' and my own ability to get us out of the situation we are in.
"The supporters of this football club are some of the most knowledgeable in the country and like them I want to see the club progress and I hope to be a part of a successful Preston North End."