Bradford Grant Preston Permission to Approach Manager Graham Alexander
Bradford City have reluctantly allowed Preston North End to speak to manager Graham Alexander about their vacant managerial position. Alexander, who has a strong history with Preston as a player and caretaker boss, is contracted to Bradford until the end of next season. Preston are second bottom in the Championship and have been without a permanent manager since Paul Heckingbottom was sacked.
Alexander's ties to Preston are deep: 372 league appearances across two spells, a five-game caretaker stint in 2011-12, and retirement there at age 40. His managerial career includes Fleetwood, Scunthorpe, Salford, Motherwell, and MK Dons.
Bradford are top of League One with five wins from seven games, while Preston sit second bottom with four points from eight. Alexander took over at Valley Parade in November 2023, won promotion from League Two, then finished fourth and lost in the play-offs. He is contracted until the end of next season, and Preston are down to two final candidates.
The potential departure of a successful manager from a top League One club to a struggling Championship side could disrupt Bradford's momentum and unsettle their fanbase, who have enjoyed a strong start. For Preston supporters, a new appointment may bring hope but also uncertainty. Such moves also affect players' morale and club stability, potentially influencing match results and local community engagement with the sport.