New jobs for Phil Brown and Jim Gannon

Phil Brown has returned to management with Preston on an 18-month contract, as the npower Championship strugglers seek to avoid relegation.

The 51-year-old had been out of work since leaving Hull last year and his immediate aim will be to inspire an upturn in fortunes at the division's bottom club. North End are seven points adrift of safety after a disastrous campaign which saw Darren Ferguson axed after less than a year in charge.

Brown steered Hull to the top flight of English football for the first time in their history in 2008, but was sacked following the club's slump in form towards the end of last season, which culminated in relegation from the Premier League. He is relishing the challenge of reviving the Lancashire outfit's fortunes.

He said: "Preston North End are a big club with great history and tradition and I am really looking forward to the challenge. I have every belief in the players' and my own ability to get us out of the situation we are in."

Meanwhile, Burnley have approached Norwich for permission to speak to former Celtic and Scotland midfielder Paul Lambert about their managerial vacancy. The Clarets have been without a manager since parting company with Brian Laws on 29 December, with Stuart Gray placed in caretaker charge.

Former Motherwell manager Jim Gannon has landed the vacant post at League Two side Port Vale. The 42-year-old succeeds Micky Adams after the latter left to take over at Sheffield United.

• Ronaldinho has reached an agreement with AC Milan to officially end his contract with the Italian club, clearing the way for his return to Brazil. Three Brazilian clubs remain in contention to sign the two-time Fifa player of the year - Palmeiras, Flamengo and former team Gremio.