Former Rangers manager Graeme Souness, former Hearts chief George Burley, Motherwell manager Terry Butcher, Preston's Billy Davies and former Monaco coach Didier Deschamps had all been linked with the Glasgow club.

BBC: SPORT | Football | My Club | Rangers | McLeish receives Murray's backing

Billy Jones's crisp finish fired Preston ahead and Callum Davidson doubled their advantage from the spot after Kaspars Gorkss fouled Jon Parkin.

BBC: Sport - Football - Preston 2-2 QPR

There have even been suggestions that Preston has only been assistant in name, with Billy Kirkwood being Hay's real right-hand man this season.

BBC: Hay critical of Livi bidder

The former Sheffield Wednesday striker was one of two changes made by Forest boss Billy Davies from last weekend's FA Cup tie with Preston - the other being midfielder Radoslaw Majewski.

BBC: Nottm Forest 2-1 Portsmouth

Brown would love to see the defender sign for his good friend, Billy Davies, at Forest and has made tentative steps to establish whether his former assistant at Preston is interested.

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