But how did the Liverpudlian make his way to Deepdale? A popular and well-travelled striker as a player, he has forged a reputation as one of the top managerial talents in the EFL at Bury and Plymouth.
Now he's tasked with getting North End heading towards the right end of the Championship after Frankie McAvoy's departure.
Here, we chart his career from fresh-faced frontman to promotion-winning boss.
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