And it was the timing of Hull skipper Ashbee's move disappointed his former boss Nigel Pearson.

BBC: Hull's Ian Ashbee joins ex-boss Phil Brown at Preston

Ian Ashbee had a late chance for Hull from a corner, but he fired wide from close range.

BBC: Chelsea 0-0 Hull

Ashbee, 34, who has signed an 18-month deal, teams up again with Preston boss Phil Brown, his manager at Hull.

BBC: Hull's Ian Ashbee joins ex-boss Phil Brown at Preston

Ashbee, who is Brown's first permanent signing as PNE boss, will go into the team to face Barnsley on Tuesday night.

BBC: Hull's Ian Ashbee joins ex-boss Phil Brown at Preston

Bongani Khumalo deflected a shot from Long wide, before a fierce strike from Zurab Khizanishvili was cleared on the line by Ian Ashbee.

BBC: Sport - Football - Reading 2-1 Preston

Ashbee, who has been at Hull for nine years, handed in his transfer request on Friday after informing Pearson that a club had offered him a contract.

BBC: Hull's Ian Ashbee joins ex-boss Phil Brown at Preston

The Cottagers had a level of control over the game and Bobby Zamora set up Dempsey at the far post but his shot was blocked by Ian Ashbee with keeper Duke out of position.

BBC: Fulham 0-1 Hull