Preston North End have approached Bradford City for permission to speak with manager Graham Alexander. Bradford City have confirmed the approach.
The 54-year-old manager enjoyed an eight-year spell with Preston. He made more than 350 appearances for the Lancashire club and remains a legend among fans at Deepdale.
Preston are Sky Bet’s 10/11 favourites for relegation. The club has been without a manager since Paul Heckingbottom left his role.
Heckingbottom departed with Preston in the Championship relegation zone. Sports News Blitz’s Charlie Gardner reports on the latest developments.
Bradford’s hero
Alexander ended Bradford City’s six-year stay in League Two in dramatic fashion.
An injury-time winner secured automatic promotion to League One at the end of the 2024/25 season. It was Alexander’s first full campaign after joining the club in 2023.
Bradford then enjoyed another strong campaign in League One. The Bantams remained inside the top six for the entire 2025/26 season.
However, their promotion push ended in the play-off semi-finals. Bolton Wanderers beat Bradford before eventually winning at Wembley.
Bradford now sit top of the League One table in the 2026/27 campaign. Sky Bet currently lists the Bantams at 7/4 for promotion.
Losing Alexander could therefore create concern among Bradford supporters. His departure could disrupt a team that has made an excellent start to the season.
Alexander can bring solidity
Alexander has built a strong defensive structure at Bradford. The Bantams have earned recognition for their aggressive and organised approach.
They currently boast the best defensive record in the league.
Bradford also attack with plenty of aggression. Alexander regularly uses a 3-4-3 formation, which allows the wing-backs to push forward.
The system gives Bradford extra width in attack. It also helps the team create more chances.
However, Alexander has never managed in the Championship. That experience could become an important issue for Preston supporters.
Bradford comment
A Bradford City press release confirmed that an approach had been made, with the saying in a statement: “Bradford City AFC can confirm we have been approached by Preston North End to speak to Graham Alexander regarding the Sky Bet Championship side’s managerial vacancy.
“Reluctantly, Bradford City has granted permission for Graham to speak to Preston North End.
The club will be making no further comment at this time.”
An expected conclusion
Bradford supporters have followed Preston’s results closely since the start of the season.
Speculation had already grown around a possible return to Deepdale for the former Preston favourite.
Bradford fans also showed their support for Alexander during Saturday’s match at Luton. The travelling supporters sang in praise of their manager.
Now, however, his time at Valley Parade could be coming to an end.
Replacement lined up?
Bradford’s hierarchy will now need to consider their options. The club could soon begin planning for life without Alexander.
One name already attracting attention is Dave Challinor. The former Stockport County manager left the club after the 2025/26 season.
Challinor helped Stockport make significant progress during his time there. His attacking style also brought consistent success.
He guided Stockport to the National League title. After losing in the following season’s play-offs, he then led the club to League One as champions.
Challinor’s Stockport spell ended at Wembley. Bolton defeated County in the League One play-off final.
Some Bradford supporters see Challinor as a natural candidate. Others could welcome a return for former manager Paul Heckingbottom.
Heckingbottom also has a connection to Bradford. City legend Stuart McCall currently works as part of his staff.
Overall thoughts
It’s hard to remain unbiased as a Bradford City fan, but it seems like Alexander is leaving the most secure job in football that benefits both parties for a roll of the dice that could very well end poorly.
That said, Alexander has overachieved in recent years with the club; his success in getting Bradford out of League Two was a task that countless big names had failed to do, and he has been instrumental from day one.
I’d imagine a man of his ambition will look forward to the challenge in the Championship, and a big role in that division is well deserved.
It’s just a shame it might not be with us.
