 In March 1968, Irvine signed for Preston North End, who were struggling at the bottom of the Football League Second Division, for a transfer fee of £45,000 and a signing-on fee of £5,000.He was one of five Burnley first-team players to leave the club during that year.Irvine made his debut for Preston North End on 14 March 1968 in the 0–4 defeat away at Ipswich Town.