Bradford City “begrudgingly” authorizes Preston to speak
According to Bbc.
Context
Graham Alexander, with a long association with Preston North End, could be about to return to the club where he had two spells as a player. His coaching experience at Bradford City, where he achieved promotion from League Two, makes him an attractive candidate for the Lilywhites, who need a strong leader to face the challenges of the Championship.
Why this matters
Graham Alexander's departure from Bradford City could have a significant impact on the dynamics of the team, which is making a promising start to the season in League One. With five wins in the first seven games, his leadership has been crucial to the club's success. The possibility of losing a manager who has already led the team to promotion from League Two is a concern for the Bantams, especially as they look to consolidate their position in the top division.
Main conclusions
- Bradford City “begrudgingly” allows Preston to speak.
- Bradford City have confirmed that they have “begrudgingly” authorized Preston North End to speak to Graham Alexander about their coaching vacancy.
- Graham Alexander: Bradford City 'reluctantly' give Preston North End permission to speak to boss - BBC Sport.
Bradford City confirmed this Thursday that they had “begrudgingly” granted permission to Preston North End to approach manager Graham Alexander about a place on the Lilywhites' bench. The Championship team is having a much lower start to the season than expected and is looking for a new coach after the departure of Paul Heckingbottom, fired at the beginning of the month after six defeats in the first seven rounds of the championship.
In a statement, the Bantams clarified that they were formally contacted by Preston to speak to Alexander and that, although it was not their intention to lose the coach, they accepted the request so that talks could move forward. According to BBC Radio Lancashire, the Deepdale club will have narrowed down the list of candidates to the final two names, with Alexander being one of the main targets.
Graham Alexander's connection to Preston runs deep. The former Scotland international, 54, had two spells as a player at the club and made 372 league appearances for the Lilywhites. In 2011/12, he even took on a short period as interim coach, for five games, before ending his playing career at Deepdale, aged 40.
On Bradford City's side, the sporting moment is very positive. The team leads League One, with five wins in the first seven rounds. Alexander took charge in November 2023 and, in his first full season, guided the historic Valley Parade club to promotion from League Two. In 2025/26, the Bantams closed the regular phase in 4th place in League One, then falling in the play-offs against Bolton Wanderers. The coach has a contract with Bradford until the end of next season.
Alexander's CV on the bench includes spells at Fleetwood Town, Scunthorpe United, Salford City, Motherwell and MK Dons, experiences that reinforce his profile for a return to the Championship. For Preston, who are currently second-bottom in the English second tier with four points from eight games, quickly finding a solution is imperative. The first game after the international break is scheduled for Saturday, October 10th against Millwall at Deepdale.
If talks progress and result in an agreement, the Lilywhites will be able to secure a coach with a strong identity at the club and extensive experience in British football. For Bradford City, Alexander's eventual departure would represent a setback in a project that has shown clear signs of growth, but, for now, the only certainty is that the League One club has opened the door to dialogue — even if “begrudgingly”.
What happens next
Preston North End, currently struggling in the Championship, are looking for a new manager who can turn their fortunes around. With Paul Heckingbottom sacked after a disastrous start to the season, the approach to Graham Alexander indicates the club are considering a return to a familiar manager. If talks are successful, it could not only affect Alexander's future, but also Preston's fight to avoid relegation.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Graham Alexander and Bradford City?
Bradford City have 'grudgingly' authorized Preston North End to speak to manager Graham Alexander about a vacancy at the club.
Who confirmed permission for Preston to speak to Graham Alexander?
Bradford City confirmed the authorization in a statement.
Why are Preston North End looking for a new manager now?
Preston North End are looking for a new manager following the departure of Paul Heckingbottom, who was sacked after six first set defeats
and championship rounds.
What changes could happen if Graham Alexander accepts the Preston job?
If Graham Alexander accepts the Preston job, he will leave Bradford City, where he has a contract until the end of next season.
What is Bradford City's current situation in League One?
Bradford City lead League One, with five wins in the first seven rounds.