PRESTON North End today announced that Kelham O'Hanlon will be first team manager at least until the end of the season.

Kelham O'Hanlon was appointed caretaker manager for North End's game at Burnley following the sudden departure of David Moyes to Everton last week.

Chief Executive Tony Scholes said: "It was always our intention to review the manager's job once we had the Burnley game out of the way. Kelham has been doing a very good job as David's assistant over the years and we have every confidence that he is the right man to take us through until the end of the season. Continuity is a vital element of our success over the years and it is a decision that removes all the uncertainty surrounding the position.

"There has been considerable press and media speculations as to who might follow David Moyes as our manager. We have already received unsolicited applications from a host of high profile names, some in jobs at present and others looking for a job. We did not want any uncertainty to upset the players or the rest of the football club. We can now concentrate on trying for a play-off spot and then planning for next year."

"Kelham has a very good track record and along with Jimmy Lumsden as first team coach, I expect Kelham to be a leading contender to fill the managers' post full-time when we make that decision in the close season."

Kelham O'Hanlon said: "I am delighted for the players more than anything.They now know what is happening with any uncertainty being taken away. This will enable them to concentrate one hundred percent on winning football matches starting with the game against Crewe on Wednesday night."