Born: Glasgow, 31st May 1964 1980-1998 - as a midfielder, he played for Rangers, Swedish side IK Elfsborg, St Mirren, Leicester and Motherwell.

1998 - appointed player-manager at Motherwell - at the age of 33, becoming the youngest ever manager in the Scottish top flight at the time.

2004 - after a spell as first team coach at Preston, he takes over as caretaker manager before being given the job on a full-time basis.

2005 - Preston narrowly miss out on a place in the Premier League as they lose to West Ham in the play-off final.

2006 - guides Preston to the play-offs again but this time they lose to Leeds in the semi-finals.

2006 - he leaves Preston in June to take over as manager of Derby. 2007 - guides The Rams to promotion to the Premier League as they beat West Brom in the play-off final at Wembley.

2007 - parts company with Derby in November.

2009 - returns to football management as he takes charge at The City Ground